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MIRI, 16 Oct: Air doctor services (FDS) in Sarawak are assisted through the use of helicopter assets from other government agencies to ensure that community medical needs in rural areas, especially critical cases, continue to receive attention during the period of suspension.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib said the assistance was provided by agencies including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) to bring doctors, nurses and medical officers to inaccessible areas.
"During the period of suspension of air doctor services by helicopter operator companies, other ministries with helicopter assets also helped provide those services, especially for critical cases", he said.
He said this at a press conference after the inaugural closure of ASEAN Emergency Operations Centre Network Activities: National Level Cross-Border Simulation Miri 2026 Training here today.
According to Hanifah, decisions on the next steps for FDS services, including their reactivation, are still pending government consideration after reports and findings related to the incident were submitted to the Minister of Health as well as the top management of the ministry.
He said the health agency in Sarawak had held follow-up discussions with the relevant agencies and ministries, while further decisions will take into account Cabinet considerations.
He added that the service is very important for Sarawak as there are rural areas which are difficult to access by road or river, and it takes up to two days on foot to reach some communities.
"Although we try to use road access as much as possible, the reality is that there are areas that require walking for up to two days to reach the community. Therefore, this service is essential", he said.
He explained that the support of other government agencies' helicopter assets helps ensure health workers can reach communities in rural areas, especially for cases requiring urgent medical attention. - TVS
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