Kuala lumpur: The number of residents impacted by the temporary suspension of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations in Sarawak is set to be revealed soon, as stated by the Health Director-General, Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab. The announcement will be made by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, statistics concerning the affected residents have already been compiled and are awaiting submission to the Health Minister for further action. Dr Mahathar confirmed that the figures would be disclosed in the near future during his attendance at the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) 2026 dinner, which was also graced by MMA President Dr L. Sivanaesan.
The temporary suspension of all FDS operations in Sarawak was announced by Dr Dzulkefly last Thursday, following a tragic accident involving an FDS helicopter in Long Lellang. The suspension is intended to facilitate an investigation and review of the safety and operational protocols by the relevant authorities.
The accident, which occurred last Tuesday, claimed the lives of all five individuals aboard a BO-105 helicopter operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace. The helicopter tragically crashed near the end of the Long Lellang STOLport runway at approximately 3.40 pm. The deceased were identified as medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31; nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44; and pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30.