Police, RMAF among four agencies supporting Sarawak during Flying Doctor Service suspension

KOTA BHARU, Sept 13 — Four agencies, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, will support the Ministry of Health in conducting emergency flights to provide medical assistance to people in remote regions of Sarawak. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad announced this plan until the investigation into the incident involving the Flying Doctor Service helicopter is completed.

These alternatives include the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's Emergency Medical Air Rescue Services, according to the minister. The Health Ministry aims to maintain service while simultaneously prioritizing safety measures. The ministry is awaiting the investigation results before deciding on the next steps to improve safety and resume Flying Doctor Service operations.

Currently, seven ministry teams provide services to around 14,000 to 15,000 residents in remote areas that are difficult to reach by conventional means. On Tuesday, five people on board a BO-105 helicopter operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace perished after the aircraft crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport runway at approximately 3:40pm.

The fatalities included Dr. Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, and nurses Jessie Paya Jok and Debra Moset.