{
  "id": 387063,
  "title": "MOH adds boat services to improve healthcare access for Orang Asli in Hulu Perak",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/moh-adds-boat-services-to-improve-healthcare-access-for-orang-asli-in",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-09T14:33:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/08/1507740/moh-adds-boat-services-improve-healthcare-access-orang-asli-hulu"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Health Ministry (MOH) has introduced additional boat services in Hulu Perak to enhance healthcare access for Orang Asli residents in the Kemar Resettlement Scheme (RPS) in Gerik. The RM350,000 Medic Boat 8, which will serve more than 4,500 Orang Asli residents, is set to improve emergency response times in the region. This new 12-passenger multipurpose boat will join the MOH's existing fleet of six boats. Despite their advanced nature, the value of these assets lies in the commitment of the MOH's personnel on the ground, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. During a Facebook post, he lauded the dedication of healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and boat operators, who bravely navigate river currents and adverse weather conditions to provide medical treatment. Ahmad highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare in Malaysia's Madani principle, emphasizing that geographical challenges should not hinder patients from receiving the best possible care.",
  "summary": "IPOH: The Health Ministry (MOH) has introduced additional boat services to strengthen healthcare access in Hulu Perak, reducing emergency response times for Orang Asli residents in the Kemar Resettlement Scheme (RPS) in Gerik.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}