According to reports, communication with the helicopter was lost at 5pm Thursday near Sebuyau.

The helicopter is believed to have had six people on board, including the pilot.

Civil Aviation Department Director Azharudin Abdul Rahman told Bernama that a search-and-rescue operation for the missing helicopter has been launched.

“The helicopter left Betong at 4.12pm and should have arrived in Kuching around 5pm,” he said.

The Eurocopter AS350 is operated by a local company.

The Sarawak Fire Department chief also told Bernama that a special tactical rescue unit was on stand-by and awaiting further information on the location of the missing helicopter.

According to sources, among the passengers were believed to be a federal deputy minister and her spouse, a bodyguard, a ministry’s secretary-general and chairman of a government agency.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin tweeted: “Please pray that they are safe.”

Prime Minister Najib Razak also took to his Twitter saying: “Deeply concerned about reports of helicopter missing between Betong & Kuching. Search and rescue activated. Let us pray for their safety.”

Selangor MB Azmin Ali tweeted: “A helicopter carrying leaders has gone missing in Sarawak. Let’s all pray that the passengers and crew are safe and will be found soon.”

At 10pm, Azharudin told Bernama the missing helicopter had yet to be found.