By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
KUALA LUMPUR: Sept 9, 2026 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) will review the use of helicopters for the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) following yesterday’s crash of a service helicopter in Long Lellang, Sarawak.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said the decision will be made after taking into account input from relevant authorities regarding helicopter safety.
“At the ministry level, we will take note of the input from the authorities concerned with the safety of the helicopters, and we will decide whether to continue using them for this service,” he said.
He added that MOH will not compromise on the safety of personnel carrying out FDS duties, while flight approvals remain under the purview of the relevant agencies.
On the same incident, Dzulkefly said search and rescue operations for the victims began at 7.30am today, conducted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM).
Miri Hospital is fully prepared to receive the victims as soon as they are extracted from the scene.
Meanwhile, MOH has also deployed its Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) team to provide Psychological First Aid and emotional support to the families of the victims and affected FDS personnel.
He said financial assistance will also be channelled to the victims’ families through the ministry’s welfare fund and government aid.
MOH also assured that official updates on the tragedy will be released from time to time upon confirmation from the authorities.
