Perkhidmatan doktor udara tetap diteruskan, kata Dzulkefly

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the air doctor service (FDS) will continue despite the crash of a helicopter near STOLport Long Lellang in Sarawak, which claimed the lives of five people. The FDS, which began in the 1970s, is crucial for providing healthcare coverage to communities in remote parts of the country. He assured that the service would continue to be expanded and improved, in a media briefing.

A BO-105 helicopter was en route from Miri Airport to Long Lellang when it crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport earlier today. All five passengers, consisting of four health ministry officials and one pilot, were killed. Earlier, Senator RA Lingeshwaran had called for all helicopters of the same model to be replaced temporarily until the cause of the incident is determined.

Dzulkefly added that the FDS always contracts with private companies, as the ministry does not have helicopters for this service. The ministry is currently collecting records of the crash helicopter, which will be handed over shortly, and the helicopter is undergoing regular maintenance. "Based on this, we will determine whether these helicopters can continue to be used for this service," he added.

The search and rescue operation at the crash site, which began this morning, is being conducted under the control of Sarawak Police and bomb experts, while Hospital Miri is ready to receive the deceased bodies. Dzulkefly said the ministry will ensure that the families of the victims receive assistance, including financial aid, mental health and psychological support.