In a tragic event that shook Malaysia, two helicopters collided mid-air over the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base in Lumut, Perak, claiming the lives of all 10 crew members on board. This heart-wrenching incident marks the deadliest helicopter crash in the country in nearly a decade, and the eighth such occurrence within that period.

The previous most devastating helicopter accident took place on May 5, 2016, when a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter crashed near Sebuyau, Sarawak, resulting in six fatalities, including the then Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Tan Sri Noriah Kasnon, and Kuala Kangsar MP, Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad.

The tragic event occurred at 9:32 am yesterday, as confirmed by the RMN, with seven crew members of the Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM-AW139) and three crew members of the RMN Fennec involved. The HOM-AW139 helicopter crashed on the RMN Lumut Stadium field, while the Fennec aircraft crashed into the Navy Sports Complex swimming pool. Families of the victims have been notified for identification purposes.

Post-mortem examinations for the victims are currently underway at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) in Ipoh, with the process expected to conclude by noon today, according to HRPB Deputy Medical Director Dr. Liaw Kok Toon.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin revealed that the helicopters were engaged in a rehearsal for the RMN Fleet Open Day, scheduled for the upcoming Saturday. The victims, based in Lumut and Kota Kinabalu, will be subject to investigation by an RMN-appointed board to ascertain the cause of the tragedy.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, expressed his sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He instructed the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to conduct a thorough investigation to obtain comprehensive information on the incident.

Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah consented to the cancellation of the RMN's 90th Anniversary celebrations and parade, scheduled for Friday. Instead, a Yasin recital, tahlil, and 'doa selamat' will be held at the An-Nur Mosque at the RMN base in Lumut before Friday prayers, with Sultan Sharafuddin expected to attend.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a Facebook post, expressed the nation's mourning for the tragic event, extending condolences to the victims' families. He assured an immediate investigation by the Ministry of Defense, particularly the RMN, to determine the accident's cause.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof urged against speculation on the incident and emphasized respect for the victims' families by refraining from sharing any images or videos related to the incident.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil echoed this sentiment, advising media practitioners and the public against circulating videos of the tragedy out of respect for the victims' families' sensitivities. He pledged to instruct the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take appropriate action.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and several Chief Ministers, including Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, expressed their condolences.

The ten RMN crew members tragically killed in the crash were Squadron 502 commanding officer Commander Muhamad Amir Mohamad; Lieutenant T Sivasutan (Squadron 502 pilot); Warrant Officer II Mohd Shahrizan Mohd Termizi (Squadron 502 Air Quartermaster); Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli (Squadron 503 Commanding Officer); Lieutenant Commander Wan Rezaudeen Kamal Zainal Abidin; Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Amirulfaris Mohd Marzukhi (Squadron 503 Air Tactical Officer); Warrant Officer II Muhammad Faisol Tamadun (Squadron 503 Air Quartermaster); Able Seaman I Joanna Felicia anak Rohna (RMN Air Base); Warrant Officer II Norfarahimi Saedy (West Armada Supply Depot); and Petty Officer Nor Rahiza Anuar (West Armada Supply Depot).