ALL Air Doctor Service (FDS) operations in Sarawak have been temporarily suspended to allow for an investigation and review of safety and operational mechanisms following the helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Miri, Sarawak, last Tuesday.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the Medical Evacuation Service (Medevac) for emergency cases will continue to be implemented through the collaboration of the Ministry of Health with the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
He said the Ministry of Health will hold further discussions with the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to explore efforts to use ATM assets so that patients who require emergency treatment can be transferred to appropriate health facilities.
"All FDS operations in Sarawak are temporarily suspended to allow for an investigation and review of safety mechanisms and operations by relevant parties," he said in a statement.
“MOH will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the entire FDS service delivery framework in Sarawak, including aspects of contracts, governance, operational safety, coverage requirements and the effectiveness of the existing service delivery model.
“This assessment aims to ensure that the approach to be implemented in the future is safer, more resilient, sustainable and responsive to the health needs of the community in the interior of Sarawak,” he said.
Dzulkefly said that MOH is reassessing the location and access methods of FDS services, including transportation alternatives and other safe and practical approaches to ensure that the community in the interior continues to have access to health services.
MOH understands the difficulties and challenges that may arise following this temporary suspension.
“However, the safety of staff and patients remains a priority for MOH, in addition to ensuring the continuity of health service delivery to the community in the interior.
“MOH will continue to monitor the situation from time to time and inform the public of the latest developments accordingly,” he added. – September 10, 2026
