By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 10: The federal government should review the RM30 Air Health Service Incentive Payment, which has remained unchanged since 1978, as it no longer reflects the realities and risks of today’s working environment.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the incentive payment must be comprehensively reviewed to ensure fair and adequate protection for health workers who undertake high-risk duties, particularly those serving in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
In addition to reviewing the incentive payment, he also proposed that dedicated travel and personal accident insurance coverage be extended to all health workers carrying out official duties by air, land or sea.
“Such protection should be provided regardless of whether the personnel are permanent or contract staff, or employed through appointed operators,” he he told reporters after attending the MMA National Convention and Scientific Congress 2026 at a hotel in Ipoh today.
His call comes in the wake of the recent helicopter tragedy in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, during a Flying Doctor Service (FDS) mission, which claimed the lives of four health workers and a pilot.
Dr Thirunavukarasu said the crash should serve as a turning point for authorities to strengthen medical transport safety standards nationwide and ensure the welfare of frontline healthcare personnel remains a top priority.
He stressed that all assets used to transport health workers must meet stringent safety standards to minimise the risk of accidents during field operations.
“Assessments of the lifespan of assets, maintenance records, safety certifications, emergency equipment, as well as their suitability for the terrain and weather conditions, must be conducted regularly and thoroughly by the relevant authorities.
“No mode of transport, whether aircraft, ambulances or boats, should be used simply because it is available or tied to a contract. The welfare and safety of health workers must always be the highest priority,” he said.
On Sept 8, a BO-105 helicopter carrying five people crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) in Ulu Baram, killing four health workers and the pilot. — Bernama
