Ministry of Health delays Sarawak Flying Doctor Service resumption

The Malaysian Ministry of Health has not yet set a specific timeline for resuming Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations in Sarawak. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the resumption depends on the results of official investigations by relevant agencies.

Dr. Dzulkefly emphasized that while a specific date cannot be promised, the ministry aims to restart the service as soon as possible. He noted that the service involves scheduled visits to remote localities rather than immediate medical emergencies.

Additionally, the ministry is finalizing ex-gratia payments for those affected by the recent FDS incident in Miri, Sarawak, which claimed five lives. The compensation process, including retirement benefit claims, is being coordinated with the Public Service Department and the Ministry of Finance.

The fatal accident occurred on September 8, when a BO-105 helicopter crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing (STOLport) airport. The victims included pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, medical officer Dr. Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, and nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya Jok.