Malaysian Medical Association urges review of air health incentives

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is calling for a comprehensive review of the Air Health Service Incentive Payment, which has remained at RM30 since 1978. MMA President Datuk Dr R Thirunavukarasu Rajoo stated that the current rate fails to reflect the modern risks faced by healthcare workers performing official duties in remote areas.

In addition to increasing the incentive, the MMA is urging the government to provide dedicated travel and personal accident insurance for all health workers operating by air, land, or sea, regardless of their employment status. Dr Thirunavukarasu noted a policy gap where these workers lack the specific insurance protections provided to civil servants on official overseas assignments.

The call for reform follows a recent helicopter crash near Long Lellang involving a Flying Doctor Service (FDS) mission. The accident, involving a German-made BO-105 helicopter, resulted in the deaths of a pilot and four medical personnel: Captain Zainol Afiq Sham Bee, Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, Alexson Adit, Debra Moset, and Jessie Paya. The MMA emphasized that authorities must strengthen medical transport safety standards and ensure all assets meet stringent maintenance and safety certifications to prevent future tragedies.