SERDANG – The government has agreed to convert about 100 tourist vans into ambulances to help address emergency Covid-19 cases in the Klang Valley, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the initiative under the Greater Klang Valley Special Task Force is in view of the country’s coronavirus situation and complaints on delays in ambulances reaching patients requiring immediate treatment at home.
It will also help tourist van operators affected by the virus lockdown, he told reporters after visiting the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) quarantine and treatment centre here today.
“We will convert regular vans into ambulances, and we will discuss this with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) because we know these tourist vans are not being used for the time being.”
On payments to the van operators involved, he said the terms and conditions will be discussed with the Health Ministry and Motac soon.
Ismail Sabri, who is also defence minister, said 1,000 armed forces personnel will be mobilised to assist in logistics at the MAEPS quarantine centre.
He said army personnel have also been deployed to aid health workers at hospitals in the Klang Valley, such as Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Ampang Hospital, Selayang Hospital, Kajang Hospital and Serdang Hospital. – Bernama, August 6, 2021
