The body of a victim of the helicopter tragedy found on the bank of Sungai Batang Lupar, Sebuyau, is confirmed to be that of Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, Datuk Noriah Kasnon, said her private secretary, Abidin Supardi.

Abidin disclosed this to reporters after visiting the remains at the Sarawak General Hospital, here today.

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Besides 52-year-old Noriah, her husband Asmuni Abdullah and Kuala Kangsar MP, Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, who is also Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman, were on board the ill-fated helicopter too.

Also travelling on the aircraft were the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Dr Sundaran Annamalai, Noriah's bodyguard, Ahmad Sobri Harun and Filipino pilot Rudolf Rex Ragas.

The Eurocopter AS350 aircraft was flying from Betong at 4.12pm heading for Kuching before the tragedy occurred.

Noriah was in Betong to carry out duties concerning her ministry during the state election.