KUCHING: The Sarawak Chief Minister’s Office has refuted reports claiming that a helicopter with Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg on board was forced to make an emergency landing on Saturday (Dec 18).

       In a statement, his office clarified that the pilots made the decision to land at the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) parade grounds due to bad weather and low visibility during their flight from Gedong, adding there was no issue of an emergency landing as reported.

       All passengers on board were safe and sound, his office confirmed.

       Earlier, a 30-second video clip of a white-coloured helicopter making an emergency landing in heavy rain made its rounds on social media.

       Abang Johari, who is Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman, is the coalition’s candidate for the Gedong seat in the 12th Sarawak State Election.

       Polling on Saturday took place in poor weather conditions in several constituencies. – Bernama