KUCHING: Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin has called for a review of aviation safety for Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations following Tuesday's (Sept 8) fatal helicopter crash near Long Lellang STOLport.
He said his ministry has been working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to promote and expand aviation safety awareness to doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who travel regularly by helicopter or small aircraft to serve rural communities.
"Aviation safety should not only concern pilots, operators and aircraft.
"It should also include the passengers and personnel who depend on aviation to carry out essential public services," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Lee also said the FDS must continue as many rural communities depend on it for healthcare.
"We must ensure that essential healthcare connectivity to our rural communities remains protected while the relevant authorities carry out the necessary investigation and safety review.
"Our focus must be on learning from this tragedy, strengthening the system wherever necessary and ensuring that those who serve our rural communities can do so in the safest possible environment," he said.
He also urged against speculation, saying the cause of the accident must be determined by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau under the federal Transport Ministry.
Lee said he arrived in Miri at 8.20pm on Tuesday and proceeded directly to the emergency operations centre at Miri Airport for a briefing and coordination meeting on the incident.
After the meeting, he met the families of those on board the helicopter and briefed them on the latest situation and operational arrangements.
"At a time of such uncertainty and anguish, it was important that the families knew they were not alone and that they would continue to be kept informed and supported," he said.
