MIRI: State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin has called for a broader review of aviation safety safeguards surrounding Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operations following the tragic helicopter crash near the Long Lellang STOLport on Tuesday.
He said the ministry has been working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to promote aviation safety awareness and will explore expanding such initiatives to doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who regularly travel by helicopter or small aircraft to serve rural communities.
“Aviation safety should not only concern pilots, operators and aircraft. It should also include the passengers and personnel who depend on aviation to carry out essential public services,” he said.
“The Flying Doctor Service is a critical lifeline for many of our rural and remote communities,” he said in expressing condolences to the families of the pilot and four Ministry of Health personnel who lost their lives.
“The medical personnel and flight crew involved were carrying out an essential public service, and their dedication and sacrifice will always be remembered,” he said in a press statement Wednesday (Sept 9).
He said that upon arriving in Miri from Kuching at about 8.20pm on Tuesday night, he proceeded directly to the Emergency Operations Centre at Miri Airport for a briefing and coordination meeting on the incident, including transport and logistical arrangements for the operation.
After the meeting, he also personally met family members of those on board and briefed them on the latest situation and operational arrangements.
“At a time of such uncertainty and anguish, it was important that the families knew they were not alone and that they would continue to be kept informed and supported,” he said.
He stressed that the cause of the accident must be determined by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau under the federal Ministry of Transport and urged against speculation.
He added that the continuity of the Flying Doctor Service must remain an important consideration, given the dependence of many rural communities on air access for essential healthcare.
“We must ensure that essential healthcare connectivity to our rural communities remains protected while the relevant authorities carry out the necessary investigation and safety review,” he said.
“Our focus must be on learning from this tragedy, strengthening the system wherever necessary and ensuring that those who serve our rural communities can do so in the safest possible environment,” he said.
