Malaysia deploys emergency air medical services for remote Sarawak

The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) is collaborating with four agencies to maintain medical access for remote Sarawak communities following the suspension of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS). The agencies involved include the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM).

This emergency measure follows a fatal helicopter crash near the Long Lellang STOLport runway, which resulted in the deaths of five people, including four medical personnel. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that while the FDS operations are suspended pending a safety investigation, the ministry will utilize alternatives such as the Emergency Medical Air Rescue Services (EMARS) provided by the JBPM to ensure healthcare services for the 14,000 to 15,000 residents in inaccessible areas are not interrupted.