KUCHING, Oct 16: Four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles and boats are being deployed to deliver healthcare to remote communities in Sarawak, while emergency medical evacuations (MEDEVAC) are being coordinated through additional government air assets following the suspension of Flying Doctor Service (FDS) after fatal helicopter crash in Baram on Sept 8.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Ming Tee said the alternative arrangements were introduced after the FDS was temporarily suspended following the tragedy at Long Lellang, Baram, on Sept 8, which claimed five lives, including four healthcare personnel and a helicopter pilot.
He said the government had activated inter-agency contingency plans to ensure emergency medical care continued during the suspension, with life-saving evacuations coordinated through the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Air Unit, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) Air Wing and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
