The search for the missing helicopter with seven on board in Sarawak's Bario highlands intensified entered its sixth day today with the state government deploying 13 aircraft including those equipped with sophisticated gear.

Among the aircraft used in the search is an Australian PC Orient Maritime Patrol Aircraft equipped with Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR).

Another aircraft, a Sabah Air GAF Nomad N22B fitted with an Asia Hyper-spectral Imaging System to carry out remote sensing, arrived with a Sabah professor who specialises in remote sensing technology on board.

Bernama also reported that a Kuala Lumpur-based private company aircraft fitted with Light Detection and Ranging Equipment (LIDER) which includes a digital camera is also taking part in the operation.

Last Monday, the Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopter went missing at 12.30pm after leaving Bario in Miri for Ba Kelalan in Limbang Division. Among the seven on board was Assistant Minister Dr Judson Sakai Tagal.

Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu, who is directing the search and rescue centre in Miri said the government has also brought in foreign and local experts in satellite and mapping technology, satellite imagery interpretation and those with detailed knowledge of the search area

Bad weather, he said, had also hampered the rescuers.

There are now about 1,200 people - soldiers, police personnel, forestry officials, trekkers and villagers - involved in the search which is the largest such operation ever conducted in the state.

Occupational hazard

Meanwhile, a state minister said that travelling by helicopter remains an occupational hazard for cabinet members and dignitaries in Sarawak.

Helicopters remain the most convenient, fastest and sometimes the only means of transport in order to reach destinations deep in the interior.

"As members of the cabinet, we have many functions in various different places, the deep undeveloped interiors inclusive, all the time." Social Development and Urbanization Minister William Mawan told Bernama.

"But I personally do not think the latest incident will dampen our spirit to travel in helicopters. Helicopters are very safe machines," he said

Mawan added that most times, accidents involving helicopters were due to human errors and bad weather.

The minister is president of the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party of which the missing Judson is secretary-general.