SAR team discovers helicopter debris, says Najib (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Debris believed to be from the missing helicopter in Sarawak has been discovered next to a river in Batang Lupar by the search and rescue team, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Kuching, Najib said that the discovery was made by the SAR team at 9.50am following the search which began in the evening, yesterday.
Najib further said among the debris included what is believed to be a seat, panels, rotor blade, door and a floatation device along with a part of the helicopter wall.
However the SAR team has yet to discover the body of the helicopter.
He added that the search for the remaining parts of the helicopter could possibly be hampered due to the difficult terrain along the river bank.
The premier also confirmed that the helicopter was carrying six people including Plantation Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon, her husband Asmuni Abdullah, Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Wan Muhammad Khairil Anuar Wan Ahmad, Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Sundaran Annamalai, bodyguard Ahmad Sobri Harun and Filipino pilot Rudolf Rex Ragas.

When asked if there were any survivors, Najib said that the team is unable to make any conclusions based on the findings.
"Nevertheless, all efforts will be made and assets deployed in the (SAR) mission," he said.
Yesterday, the helicopter carrying the group was reported missing while it was en route from Betong to Kuching in Sarawak.
Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) director-general Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman had said the helicopter left SMK Spaoh in Betong at 4.12pm and was scheduled to have arrived in Kuching about 5pm.