Flying Doctor Service to continue despite S’wak chopper crash, says Dzulkefly
Health minister says they are gathering the helicopter’s maintenance records and that FDS aircraft undergo routine maintenance.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad declared the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) would persist despite the fatal helicopter crash in Sarawak yesterday. Dzulkefly emphasized the service's significance in delivering healthcare to remote regions. The ministry plans to bolster the FDS by strengthening its operations. All five individuals aboard the crashed BO-105 helicopter were aboard on a mission for the Health Ministry.
Senator RA Lingeshwaran proposed a temporary halt on helicopters of the same model while the crash's cause is investigated. However, Dzulkefly reiterated that FDS operations are outsourced to private entities, as the Ministry lacks helicopter ownership. The ministry is currently gathering the maintenance records of the crashed aircraft and will assess their safety.
Health Director-General Dr Mahathar Abdul Wahab stated that the ministry will await recommendations on the safety of the fleet before deciding if they can continue to serve. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway under the police and fire department, while Miri Hospital stands ready to receive the deceased. The ministry will provide financial assistance and mental health support to the victims' families and FDS personnel affected by the incident.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
