Four agencies to help SMEs implement clean flights for rural people - Dzulkefly

KOTA BHARU, Sept 13: Four government agencies will assist the Ministry of Health (MoH) in implementing airline flights to help people in rural areas who need medical assistance.

Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the agencies are the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).

He said the service will be used temporarily until completion of an investigation into the incident involving Air Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter that crashed and burned in Miri, Sarawak on Tuesday.

"Alternatives being moved include getting help from JBPM through the emergency medical transfer service via air (EMARS)," he told reporters after accompanying the body of a medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin who died in the disaster at Al Karomah Mukim Baung Besar Mosque, Chepa Base here today.

He said the alternative was taken because SMEs cannot allow the service to be suspended for too long and at the same time, measures to strengthen security-related aspects will also be implemented.

"KKM is awaiting the outcome of the authorities' investigation before determining the next steps to strengthen security aspects and allow FDS services to resume.

"Seven FDS teams of SMEs provide services to about 14,000 to 15,000 residents in rural areas that are difficult to reach using regular routes", he said.

Last Tuesday, five including four FDS officers aboard the BO-105 helicopter were killed after it crashed and burned near the end of Long Lellang STOLport runway at about 3:40 p.m.

In addition to Dr Ainul Baraah, 33, the victims included Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31, and two nurses, Jessie Paya Jok, 44, and Debra Moset, 40. - TVS