MOH to review all FDS helicopter contracts, RM30 flight allowance after fatal Sarawak crash

The Ministry of Health (MOH) plans to reassess all contracts associated with helicopter services provided to the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) in the wake of a fatal crash in Sarawak. Health Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab announced this review, emphasizing that it encompasses all aspects of the contracts, including those pertaining to FDS, as per instructions from Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The Ministry also intends to review the RM30 per-flight allowance given to FDS staff, according to Mahathar, who declined to comment on rumors that the helicopter involved in the incident was outdated. He stated that the matter is currently under investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). The crash occurred on September 10, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham and four MOH personnel: Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, Dr Alexson Adit Henry, nurse Jessie Paya Jok, and nurse Debra Moset.

Following the incident, the MOH temporarily suspended FDS operations in Sarawak to conduct a thorough evaluation of the service's safety and operational procedures. This assessment will encompass the FDS delivery framework, including contracts, governance, operational safety, coverage needs, and the efficiency of the current service model.