On Twitter, Prime Minister Najib Razak said he was sad to hear of the confirmation of Noriah’s passing.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. I am sad to receive confirmation that Noriah has returned to her maker. Al-Fatihah.”

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his wife also conveyed their condolences to Noriah’s family, as did Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah.

“The state of Kedah and myself offer our condolences to Noriah’s family,” tweeted Bashah, while Opposition party, PKR as well as DAP assemblyman Teng Chang Khim also conveyed their condolences.

A number of netizens also shared their condolence messages as well as their thoughts of her online.

“I’ve met Noriah Kasnon in person several times and she was a very nice person and was always smiling,” said one Twitter user named namiamosh.

Another user, Willis Wonka said even though he did not support the BN, he took his hat off to Noriah, adding she was very humble, having met her in person.

Jujue Sandra said Noriah was a tough, simple and humble lady.

“She was a very nice lady. God loves her more. My condolences” she tweeted.

Earlier today, it was reported that Noriah’s body was discovered along Sungai Batang Lupar in Sebuyau at noon by search and rescue personnel.

She was among six people on board the helicopter that was travelling from Betong to Kuching yesterday.

The deputy minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities is the first confirmed victim of the incident and leaves behind four children.

Noriah’s husband, Asmuni Abdullah was also on the helicopter, alongside Noriah’s bodyguard Ahmad Sobri Harun, the Ministry secretary-general Sundaran Annamalai, Kuala Kangsar MP Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, and Filipino pilot Rudolf Rex Ragas.