KUCHING, Oct 16 — Sarawak is exploring ways to improve healthcare delivery to remote communities following the suspension of its Flying Doctor Service (FDS) after a helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, that claimed five lives on September 8.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said alternative healthcare delivery methods would be used temporarily while the government formulates proposals to improve the service’s safety and effectiveness.
He said mobile clinic teams were being deployed via four-wheel-drive vehicles and boats to accessible areas, while emergency medical evacuations (Medevac) were being coordinated through alternative government air assets.
These include the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Air Unit, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Air Wing and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
“The government will continue to evaluate and improve the methods of delivering healthcare services to rural areas, taking into account aspects of safety, effectiveness and service continuity, to ensure that rural communities continue to have access to the necessary healthcare services,” he said.
Tiang was responding to Krian assemblyman Friday Belik during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here on Friday.
He said the government was formulating proposals for a comprehensive improvement of the FDS, covering operational safety, aircraft suitability and capability, emergency training and preparedness, personnel welfare and protection, as well as alternative methods of delivering healthcare to rural communities.
The measures would take into account the findings of relevant assessments and investigations, as well as healthcare needs in remote localities.
Tiang also said the Sarawak State Health Department, in collaboration with JBPM, was organising the Sarawak Medevac Staff Engagement, Safety Briefing and Aircraft Familiarisation Roadshow 2026.
The initiative aims to strengthen medical personnel’s understanding, preparedness and confidence in Medevac operations and patient escorts to ensure evacuations are carried out safely and efficiently.
Tiang described the September 8 crash as a tragedy that deeply affected Sarawak, particularly the healthcare fraternity and the families of the five victims, comprising four healthcare personnel and a helicopter pilot.
He conveyed the Sarawak government’s condolences to the bereaved families and paid tribute to the victims for their service to communities in remote areas.
Introduced in Sarawak in 1973, the FDS provides primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, and emergency medical evacuations to communities inaccessible by road.
Tiang said the service had played an important role for decades in overcoming the geographical challenges faced by communities in Sarawak’s interior.
He stressed that the government would continue to assess appropriate service delivery methods to ensure healthcare access was maintained while prioritising safety and effectiveness. — The Borneo Post