A helicopter carrying several VIPs has gone missing in Sarawak, and a search and rescue operation has been mounted.

According to the Borneo Post, it is believed that Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Noriah Kasnon, who is also Sungai Besar MP, was one of those on board.

Reports also claimed that the other passengers were Kuala Kangsar MP Wan Mohammad Khairil Anuar Wan Ahmad, Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Sundaran Annamalai, Noriah's husband Asmuni Abdullah, and bodyguard Ahmad Sobri.

The helicopter was piloted by Capt Rudolf Rex Raga.

Earlier, Department of Civil Aviation director-general Azharuddin Abdul Rahman confirmed the incident.

"The helicopter left Betong at 4.12pm," he told Bernama.

According to reports, air traffic controllers lost contact with the helicopter at 5pm while it was near Sebuyau.

The Eurocopter AS350 is operated by a local company.

Contacted by Bernama, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Douglas Uggah Embas said he last saw Noriah at 12.30pm at his constituency in Bukit Saban.

He, however, has no details of the missing helicopter.

Sarawak would be holding its state election on Saturday, and scores of politicians have been crisscrossing the state to attend campaign activities.