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The Ministry of Health said the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) will continue operating despite growing calls to temporarily suspend the service after a helicopter crash killed five people in Sarawak
A BO-105 helicopter operating an FDS flight crashed near Long Lellang STOLport in Sarawak on Tuesday, 8 September, killing all five people on board.
However, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said there was no reason to halt the service as it remained crucial to providing healthcare to people living in remote communities.
"We will continue. There is no reason to suspend the service.
"One of the main goals of the FDS is to achieve universal health coverage, so we will double down, strengthen, and continue to provide this service," he told reporters at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, 9 September, according to the New Straits Times.
Meanwhile, Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said the ministry would review the types of aircraft used for FDS operations moving forward
He said the ministry would seek input from specialised aviation and security authorities regarding the safety of the helicopters.
"From there, we will make a decision on whether the use of those helicopters will be continued for this service," he said.
Medical advocacy group Hartal Doktor Kontrak had called for FDS to be temporarily suspended over concerns about the safety and welfare of healthcare workers
In a statement yesterday, Hartal Doktor Kontrak urged the MOH to temporarily suspend FDS until regulatory authorities complete a comprehensive audit of all "ageing" aircraft, facilities, maintenance records, and operational procedures.
"This is necessary to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. We strongly reject any empty assurance that the service will simply continue without first addressing the safety of the aircraft, the facilities, the operating system, and the staff involved," it said.
"A statement of continuity without clear safety measures, accountability, inspection, and protection of healthcare workers is inadequate and unacceptable," it added.
The group claimed the welfare and safety of healthcare workers have been pushed aside in the name of keeping essential services running.
"This tragedy must become a turning point in how such services are planned, funded, delivered, and monitored. Essential services must continue, but not at the cost of preventable harm to the very people providing them," it said.
Hartal Doktor Kontrak also called for Parliament to discuss better budget allocations to maintain and upgrade aircraft, equipment, and facilities used by the service, which has been operating since 1973.
It also called for proper indemnity and insurance coverage for all personnel involved in the high-risk service.
HONOURING THOSE WE LOST – WE DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY AND TO PROTECT THOSE WHO REMAIN pic.twitter.com/xdMhqf0Gjc
— HartalDoktorKontrak (@HKontrak) September 9, 2026
The crash killed a pilot and four medical personnel who were on board the helicopter
Those killed were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq, 30; medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; medical assistant Alexson Adit, 31; and staff nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya, 44.
