KUCHING: The Flying Doctor Service (FDS) remains vital to Sarawak as difficult terrain and limited accessibility continue to pose challenges for rural and remote communities.
SSL Borneo principal director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said the service, introduced in Sarawak in 1973, plays an important role in bringing basic healthcare to communities where geographical conditions make conventional access difficult.
“Accessibility is still a big challenge, but the commitment of the government and Ministry of Health (MOH) has never faded despite the high risks involved in providing scheduled visits to the people,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
His comments follow yesterday’s (Sept 8) FDS helicopter crash near Long Lellang, Baram, which claimed the lives of all five onboard.
Khirudin said Sarawak’s difficult terrain and unpredictable weather were among the risks faced by personnel involved in air operations.
Drawing from his nearly 37 years with the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA), he said he understood the challenges involved in reaching communities across Sarawak.
Before his retirement, Khirudin held the rank of Deputy Fire Commissioner and served as Director of the Fire Safety Division at Bomba Malaysia headquarters in Putrajaya. He had previously served for about six years as Bomba Sarawak director.
He said Bomba’s Air Unit stationed in Miri similarly operates in challenging conditions and remains ready for medical rescue and medical evacuation (medevac) operations.
“The terrain and unforgiving weather pose high risks to the team, but with dedication, we face these challenges,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure in Sarawak, Khirudin said Bomba personnel were required to remain prepared for various assignments, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO), floods and elections.
“We were always ready for any task. We see every second as precious and every life as priceless,” he added.
