Flying Doctor Service to continue despite fatal Sarawak crash

The Flying Doctor Service (FDS) will continue delivering medical care to remote communities in Malaysia despite a fatal helicopter crash that claimed five lives on Tuesday, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The minister emphasized the critical need for such services, especially in areas with limited healthcare access.

The Health Ministry does not operate its own helicopters for the FDS; instead, it relies on aircraft provided by outsourced operators. The ministry will obtain information from relevant agencies regarding aviation safety. Aviation safety falls under the purview of the relevant authorities, not the Health Ministry. The FDS operates through scheduled visits, which occur monthly or every two months, and medical evacuation flights for critically ill patients requiring further treatment.

These flights will continue when medically necessary, provided the relevant authorities have approved the operation and there are no weather or other obstacles making the flight unsafe. The ministry plans to review its approach to scheduled FDS operations and provide guidance to its teams on the ground. The crash occurred near Long Lellang STOLport in Ulu Baram, Sarawak, killing the pilot and four FDS personnel.