KUALA LUMPUR: Lawmakers have called for an immediate review of the safety of aircraft used to transport healthcare workers following the fatal Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash in Sarawak last month.
Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (GPS-Igan) said the government should not wait for another tragedy before taking further steps to protect frontline healthcare workers.
“The government should explain the immediate measures taken to improve the safety of aircraft used to transport healthcare workers, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said when debating Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 13).
He also expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in the helicopter crash at Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, Sarawak, on Sept 8.
Five people — a pilot and four Health Ministry personnel on Flying Doctor Service (FDS) duty — were killed in the crash.
Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN-Temerloh) also called for a review of air assets used to transport medical personnel.
She said the government should explain the immediate steps being taken to improve flight safety, including aircraft maintenance, technical inspections, crew training and risk assessments.
“We must not wait until another tragedy takes place,” she said.
When tabling Budget 2027, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in the Long Lellang crash and announced that the air healthcare service incentive allowance would be increased from RM30 to RM100.
