Dzulkefly: Rescue teams begin evacuation of Long Lellang helicopter crash victims

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — With the evacuation operation commencing at 7.30 am, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that rescue teams, comprising the Royal Malaysia Police and the Fire and Rescue Department, are working to save victims of the helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Sarawak. Hospitals in Miri, according to Dzulkefly, are fully prepared to receive the rescued individuals upon their arrival.

Present at the press conference were Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab and Deputy Health director-general (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari.

Dzulkefly highlighted that the Ministry of Health (MOH) always seeks input from authorities regarding technical and aviation safety aspects before deciding on the use of helicopter assets for frontline disaster services (FDS). He also confirmed that the deceased healthcare personnel were actively engaged in routine FDS duties when the tragic incident occurred.

Regarding flight approvals for FDS operations, Dr Mahathar assured that every movement of an aircraft or helicopter must adhere to prescribed safety procedures. The decision on permitting a flight is subject to approval by the relevant agencies and is not within the MOH's purview. FDS operations consist of scheduled services and emergency medical evacuation missions. The latter would continue as needed, contingent on flight approval following safety assessments and weather conditions.

A pilot and four MOH personnel lost their lives in the BO-105 flying doctor services helicopter crash near the Long Lellang STOLport in Ulu Baram, Sarawak, yesterday.