KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — The Sarawak state government is contributing RM100,000 to each family of five people who perished in the crash of a Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter in the state.
Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg said the state’s Yayasan Sarawak will also fully cover education fees for schoolgoing children of the victims.
“The workers performed a noble and important duty, which was to bring health services to communities living in the interiors that are difficult to access on road,” said the state government in a statement today.
“They sacrificed to ensure that people, regardless of location or circumstance, continue to get access to necessary health care services.
“Their passing is a huge loss not just to their families and colleagues, but also the entire people of Sarawak.”
All five people onboard the FDS helicopter – which crashed at Long Lellang in Baram, Sarawak, yesterday afternoon while flying from Miri Airport – were killed in the incident: pilot Captain Zainol Afiq, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit, as well as staff nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad told a press conference earlier today that the MOH would continue operating FDS for universal health coverage, even though Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran has called for the BO-105 helicopters used in FDS to be temporarily grounded.
The minister and Health director-general Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab were unable to give the media technical safety details on FDS aircraft.
Dzulkefly added that the MOH proposed last November increasing the RM30 Air Health Service Incentive Payment for medical officers, assistant medical officers, nurses, and community nurses.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has told the government not to use indemnity forms signed by staff as a shield if negligence is found in the crash.
