KUCHING: A backbencher has called for an urgent review of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) following the loss of five lives in a helicopter crash in Long Lellang last month.
Baru Bian (GPS-Ba'Kelalan) said the review should include operational and safety training, clear protocols for adverse weather and adequate insurance corresponding to the risks.
"We must learn from this. Flying medical services remain absolutely essential where villages are separated by vast distances.
"But concerns have been raised about training for medical personnel on flying missions and adequacy of compensation and insurance for the risks," he said when debating the state budget in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (Oct 14).
The five people killed in the Long Lellang crash were Capt Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30: Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33: assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, 31 and staff nurses Jessie Paya Jok, 44 and Debra Moset, 40.
They were on an FDS mission when the incident occurred.
Baru also said the tragedy reinforced the need to connect all villages by road.
He said the state government's intention to convert unused logging roads into state roads was the right move forward.
"My own village of Kampung Pa' Berunut and the Penan settlements around Kampung Long Adang in upper Limbang are still served by flying doctors," he noted.
Baru added that he had submitted a proposal for an R3 standard road from the end of the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road Phase 1 at Long Luping Junction through to Pa' Berunut and Kampung Long Adang.
He said this aligned with the 2027 state budget's allocation of RM742mil for roads and bridges throughout Sarawak.
"By building these permanent roads, we reduce dependence on flying services and improve safety."
