Tragic accident: A file photo of the helicopter wreckage at the naval base in Lumut. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) must be set up to find out the cause of the tragic helicopter collision in Lumut, Perak, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said remedial action was needed to prevent a repeat of such a mishap.
He said the RCI must have the clout to do a thorough and independent investigation.
“This heart-wrenching tragedy marks the worst helicopter crash in the country in the last nine years.
“The RCI must conduct its investigation in an open and transparent manner, leaving no stone unturned,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The tragedy, he said, was not only a loss to the Defence Ministry and the victims’ families, but also to the nation.
“Adequate support should be provided to the families of victims, including counselling and financial assistance.
“It is good that Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has pledged cash aid as preliminary assistance to the families of the Lumut crash.
“It is hoped that such assistance will be continued with counselling and further support in the days and years ahead,” he said.
Lee said the authorities must quickly get to the truth and the actual cause of the tragedy.
“Considering the seriousness of the tragedy, setting up an investigation board, as has been announced, is not sufficient,” he said.
Lee also said that only those who were truly qualified and competent should be appointed to the RCI.
He added that a comprehensive investigation should involve gathering evidence from the crash site, analysing flight data recorders and interviewing witnesses, if any, and seeking expert advice from aviation experts, engineers and meteorologists.
“We have to know whether it was due to nature, human factors or mechanical issues.
“Leave it entirely to the members of the RCI to investigate and come out with the findings.
“Only then can we strengthen our existing aviation regulations to ensure they are robust enough to prevent repeat tragedies,” he said.
Lee said collaboration among government agencies, aviation authorities, airlines and industry stakeholders is also essential for implementing comprehensive safety measures.
“Regular meetings, conferences and forums should be held to exchange best practices, share lessons learned, and foster a culture of safety across the aviation sector.
“We have to quickly learn the right lessons from past tragedies to show us the right way to save lives in the future,” he added.
