By P Prem Kumar
KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysia's Special Envoy to the United States, Jamaluddin Jarjis, was among six passengers who died in a helicopter crash near Semenyih, about 75 kilometers from capital Kuala Lumpur, late Saturday.
The former minister was returning from the wedding of Prime Minister Najib Razak's daughter, and accompanied by Razak's aide Azlin Alias.
Malaysian National News Agency Bernama quoted witnesses as saying that the chopper -- an Agusta AS 3655N2 Dauphin registered 9M-1GB -- exploded mid-air before crashing in a rubber plantation estate around 5 p.m. (GMT1000).
The Fire and Rescue Department said all six bodies had been found at the site of the crash, their remains sent to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital for identification process.
“According to preliminary information received, the helicopter crashed and burst into flames at about 4.55pm,” the department said.
Besides Jarjis and Alias, other passengers included businessman Robert Tan, pilot Captain Cliff Fournier, Chempaka Aviation owner Ajdiana Baiziera and a bodyguard identified as Raskan.
Jarjis was the sitting Member of Parliament for Rompin constituency and the former Science, Technology and Innovation Minister.
Premier Razak arrived at the site of the crash around 8 p.m. local time, and promptly ordered a full investigation.
The U.S. extended its condolences to the family and friends of those on board the helicopter late Saturday.
In a Facebook post, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Yun said their “thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.”
