KUCHING: Search and rescue (SAR) efforts to recover the victims of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash at Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) are underway, with rescue teams from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) being deployed to the remote crash site.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the operation began at about 7.30 am yesterday (Sept 9), with the Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah serving as the incident commander.
“As of this morning, the operation to retrieve the victims is being actively carried out by the rescue teams from the Royal Malaysia Police and JBPM,” he said.
He revealed this during a live press conference regarding the helicopter incident involving the MOH Flying Doctor Service (FDS) at the JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur yesterday (Sept 9).
He said Miri Hospital was also fully prepared to receive the victims once they were brought out from the crash site.
Dr Dzulkefly said the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) immediate priorities were the safety of healthcare personnel involved in the FDS, the welfare of the victims’ families and next of kin, and ensuring continuity of healthcare services, particularly for remote communities.
He added that the Ministry’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) team had been mobilised to provide Psychological First Aid and continued emotional support to the victims’ families, as well as the FDS team and its fraternity.
On financial assistance, he said aid would be channelled through the MOH Headquarters Welfare and Compassion Fund, together with the Government’s ex-gratia assistance.
Meanwhile, Health Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abdul Wahab said the remoteness of the crash site remained among the key challenges facing the recovery operation.
“Everyone knows that the area is extremely remote. To reach the location, we have to ensure that the search and rescue operation can safely reach the site,” he said.
He said updates on the operation would be provided by the incident commander from time to time.
On confirmation of the victims’ deaths, Dr Mahathar said any announcement on the identities and other details must follow established procedures.
“Any form of information regarding this matter should be issued by them,” he said, referring to the incident commander and search and rescue authorities.
