BINTAGOR: A helicopter ferrying a state minister and four others from Kuching to Sibu made an emergency landing at the Meradong and Julau District Councils field here on Sunday due to bad weather.
The helicopter carrying state Local Government and Housing Minister Prof Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and four other passengers took off from the helipad in Kuching for Sibu at about 1pm on Sunday.
The weather was clear as the helicopter departed from Kuching.
Dr Sim said the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing due to a heavy downpour and strong winds as they were nearing Sibu.
“It was actually due to bad weather. We are all okay. The pilot made the right choice by avoiding taking the risk from continuing with the journey,” Dr Sim said.
The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president added he and his entourage proceeded with the journey via road in a car and have since arrived in Sibu.
Last month six people, including State Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, escaped injury when the light aircraft that they were travelling in, skidded upon landing at the Kuching International Airport (KIA).
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department at 3.46pm had issued a thunderstorm, heavy rain and strong winds warning to seven divisions in Sarawak. The affected divisions are Mukah, Sibu, Sarikei, Betong, Samarahan, Serian and Kuching.
The same warning was also imposed on several locations in other states including Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Penang, Selangor, Johor and Sabah.
Kuala Lumpur, according the department, will also not be spared by the wet spell, which will persist until tonight.