KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — The Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has urged the operator of Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Port (STOLport) in Miri, Sarawak, to review its rescue and firefighting arrangements after a helicopter crash killed five people, including four Health Ministry personnel, on September 8.

The AAIB recommended that aerodrome operator Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB) review rescue and firefighting arrangements across its STOLports to ensure auxiliary personnel were properly trained and equipped, and that firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) were properly maintained and serviceable.

The bureau said the recommendation followed findings that Malaysia Volunteers Corps Department (Rela) personnel assigned to auxiliary rescue and firefighting duties had responded to the blaze without appropriate firefighting PPE.