Malaysia, Indonesia Sentinel — A tragic helicopter crash in Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia, on February 6, 2025, claimed the life of an Indonesian national. The incident occurred at approximately 10:26 AM local time, involving a helicopter with the registration number PK-ZUV.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI), one Indonesian citizen was among the casualties. “A helicopter crash involving aircraft PK-ZUV occurred on February 6, 2025, at 10:26 AM local time in Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia. One Indonesian national, identified as Finsen Resky Sembiring, lost his life in the accident,” Kemlu RI confirmed in an official statement.
The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has been coordinating with Malaysian aviation authorities and Zaveryna Utama, the Indonesian company that owned the helicopter, to facilitate the repatriation of the victim’s remains. Currently, Sembiring’s body is being held at Hospital Bentong in Pahang.
Engineer Crushed by Helicopter Rotor Blade
Bentong District Police Chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar provided further details on the accident, stating that Sembiring, a 27-year-old engineer, was on-site when the incident occurred.
“The victim was standing near the landing area when the helicopter, which was hovering about three feet above the ground, suddenly lost control while refueling. The aircraft skidded, struck the landing surface, flipped over, and caught fire. Tragically, the rotor blade hit the victim, resulting in fatal injuries,” Zaiham explained.
The helicopter had been in operation for the past six days, carrying out work for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s largest electricity provider. It had been flying from a project site approximately 16 kilometers from the crash location and was scheduled to resume its operations after refueling.
Indonesian-Owned Helicopter Deployed for Infrastructure Work
Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman confirmed that the helicopter belonged to PT Zaveryna Utama, an Indonesian aviation company. It had been contracted to transport electrical tower materials for TNB.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that this helicopter, owned by PT Zaveryna Utama and registered in Malaysia, was being used to transport construction materials for TNB power line installations. Since January 21, the aircraft had completed six trips before the accident,” Yahaya stated.
At the time of the crash, the helicopter was not carrying any construction materials, as it was in the process of preparing for a new operation.
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Investigation and Repatriation Efforts Underway
Authorities in Malaysia have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Aviation safety experts are examining whether mechanical failure, human error, or adverse weather conditions played a role in the incident.
Meanwhile, Indonesian officials are working closely with Malaysian authorities to expedite the repatriation of Sembiring’s remains. His family has been informed, and arrangements for the transportation of his body back to Indonesia are being coordinated.
The crash has raised concerns over safety regulations for foreign-registered aircraft operating in Malaysia. Aviation authorities are expected to review existing protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
(Becky)
