- By Shivangi Sharma
- Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:02 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
A Malaysian Police (PDRM) helicopter plunged into the Sungai Pulai River in Gelang Patah, Johor, on Thursday morning, injuring all five officers on board. The incident, which occurred during a flypast as part of the MITSATOM 2025 joint military exercise, has prompted a serious aviation investigation.
The crash took place during a demonstration for MITSATOM 2025, a multinational training exercise involving Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. The aircraft, a French-made Airbus AS355N, was seen on social media videos nosediving directly into the river. Eyewitnesses, including two media practitioners on duty at the time, were left shocked by the sudden descent and impact.
WATCH: Police helicopter crashes into Pulai River in Johor, Malaysia, at least 5 people hospitalized. pic.twitter.com/3456sNg5xT
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) July 10, 2025
All Officers Rescued, Two In Critical Condition
The helicopter, with registration number 9M-PHG, had taken off from the Tanjung Kupang police station at 9:51 a.m. local time. On board were five police personnel, including the pilot. The Marine Police Force quickly responded to the crash, rescuing all five officers and transporting them to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) jetty before they were taken to Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) in Johor Bahru.
Two of the officers are reportedly in critical condition and require respiratory assistance, while the other three are in stable condition and receiving treatment.
Aviation Authorities Launch Investigation
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed the incident and announced that the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will conduct a detailed inquiry. CAAM has classified the crash as a “serious aviation incident.”
The AS355N helicopter, used widely for utility operations, was manufactured between 1975 and 2016. Its performance during low-altitude operations and flypasts is generally considered reliable, raising questions about what caused Thursday’s crash.
Footage of the crash quickly circulated online, sparking widespread public concern and renewed scrutiny over Malaysia’s aerial safety regulations. The Royal Malaysian Police and aviation authorities have promised full transparency in the upcoming investigation. The MITSATOM 2025 exercises have continued, though with heightened caution.
