The Health Ministry (MOH) has temporarily suspended all Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations in Sarawak, reversing its earlier decision to continue the service following Tuesday’s fatal helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said on Thursday (Sept 10) that the suspension would allow a comprehensive investigation and review of the service’s safety and operational mechanisms following the crash, which claimed the lives of five people.
The decision marks a change from the ministry’s position a day earlier. On Wednesday, Dzulkefly had said there was no need to halt FDS operations because of their critical role in providing healthcare access to remote communities.
Despite the suspension of FDS operations, emergency medical evacuation (Medevac) services will continue, with MOH working with the Fire and Rescue Department to provide emergency transportation. The ministry will also hold discussions with the Malaysian Armed Forces on the possibility of using military assets to transport patients requiring urgent treatment to appropriate healthcare facilities.
Dzulkefly said MOH would undertake a comprehensive assessment of the entire FDS delivery framework in Sarawak, covering contractual arrangements, governance, operational safety, coverage requirements and the effectiveness of the existing service delivery model.
The review is intended to ensure that the future delivery model is safer, more resilient and sustainable while remaining responsive to the healthcare needs of communities in Sarawak’s interior.
MOH is also reassessing FDS locations and access methods, including alternative forms of transportation and other practical options to ensure rural communities continue to have access to healthcare during the suspension.
Dzulkefly acknowledged that the temporary suspension could cause difficulties for communities that depend on the service but said the safety of healthcare personnel and patients would remain the ministry’s priority, alongside maintaining continuity of healthcare services in remote areas.
The suspension follows the crash of a BO-105 helicopter near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport on Sept 8 while it was carrying out an FDS mission. The aircraft was carrying five people, including the pilot.
All five were subsequently confirmed dead. Their remains were recovered and flown from Long Lellang to Miri for post-mortem examinations and related procedures. MOH said earlier Thursday that it was still awaiting the official post-mortem report.
The Air Accident Investigation Bureau under the Transport Ministry is investigating the cause of the crash, which has yet to be determined.
