'BSKU to investigate Elmina plane crash not police or CAAM’ - Loke

KUALA LUMPUR - Transport Minister Anthony Loke has stressed that the investigation of the Beechcraft Model 390 (Premier 1) plane crash near Bandar Elmina in Shah Alam on Thursday will be carried out by the Air Safety Investigation Bureau (BSKU) under the Transport Ministry.

Loke refuted the accusation that the ministry was "busy" with the investigation, which he said should only be handled by the police and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

"There are a few remarks from those who claim to be 'experts', why the investigation was not handled by the police or the Home Minister, in fact, it is under the Transport Ministry.

"This is not a matter of 'being busy' but responsibility for human life and aviation safety. It is also a real duty under BSKU's shoulder.

"This bureau reports directly to us (Transport Ministry). In fact, CAAM is also not involved in the investigation because that entity takes care of safety protocols and standards.

"It is because BSKU is responsible when there is an air safety incident," he highlighted to media members after officiating the Malaysian Aviation Safety Seminar (MASS ‘23) held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Loke said that the BSKU has a team of experts who are trained to investigate air accidents.

The team will gather evidence from the crash site and interview witnesses in order to determine the cause of the accident.

The BSKU will also issue a report on the findings of its investigation. This report will be made public so that lessons can be learned from the accident and steps can be taken to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

Loke said that the Elmina crash is a reminder of the importance of aviation safety.

He urged all stakeholders in the aviation industry to work together to improve safety standards.

"Whatever this incident teaches us, there may be equipment that can be improved in the future," he said.