RESIDENTS and tourists who require emergency treatment at mainland hospitals will be evacuated more quickly via a sea ambulance service that is expected to begin operating on Pulau Langkawi early next year.
Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, said the medical transport asset worth RM5.5 million is currently in the final stages of implementation.
The sea ambulance is equipped with various modern medical equipment to enable patients to receive appropriate treatment during the journey to hospitals on the mainland.
"This sea ambulance is capable of carrying two stretchers at a time and has 12 seats.
"We will complete it and start operations early next year to benefit the population and Langkawi tourists," he said.
According to him, the allocation for the purchase of the asset, including the initial operating costs, was channelled by the Ministry of Finance through the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).
Amir Hamzah said the existence of the sea ambulance also completes the Langkawi Hospital’s expansion project, which is now entering its second phase and is expected to be completed in March next year.
Earlier, he handed over various diagnostic and laboratory equipment, information technology, digital security, as well as logistics and preparedness facilities worth RM700,000 for the hospital's use. – June 28, 2026
