KOTA BARU: Four enforcement agencies will assist the Health Ministry (MOH) in carrying out mercy flights to aid people in remote areas of Sarawak who require medical assistance.
The four agencies are 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).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said this service would be utilised for the time being until the investigation into the incident involving the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter is concluded.
"The mobilised alternatives include securing assistance from JBPM through its Emergency Medical Air Rescue Services (EMARS).
"As I mentioned in a previous statement, we have already mobilised these measures and other alternatives," he said when met by reporters after accompanying the remains of Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, 33, at Al Karomah Mosque in Mukim Baung Besar, Pengkalan Chepa, here on Sunday (Sept 13).
He stated that the ministry could not allow the service to remain suspended for too long, while simultaneously aiming to strengthen safety-related aspects.
"MOH is awaiting the investigation findings from the authorities before determining the next steps to enhance safety and enable the resumption of FDS operations.
"Seven MOH FDS teams provide services to approximately 14,000 to 15,000 residents in remote areas that are difficult to access via conventional routes," he said.
On Sept 8, five individuals on board a BO-105 helicopter operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace lost their lives after the aircraft crashed near the end of the Long Lellang STOLport runway at approximately 3.40pm.
In addition to Dr Ainul Baraah, the other fatalities were Capt Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31, and two nurses, Jessie Paya Jok, 44, and Debra Moset,40. - Bernama
