By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Sept 9: Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri 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 Long Lellang STOLport that claimed five lives.
Lee said the review should go beyond aircraft and flight operations to also cover the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who rely on helicopters and small aircraft to reach remote communities.
He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the pilot and four Ministry of Health (MOH) personnel who died while carrying out FDS duties in rural Sarawak.
“The Flying Doctor Service is a critical lifeline for many of our rural and remote communities. 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 statement today.
Lee said after arriving in Miri from Kuching at about 8.20pm last night, he went directly to the Emergency Operations Centre at Miri Airport for a briefing and coordination meeting on the incident, including transport and logistical arrangements.
He later met the families of those on board personally 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.
Lee stressed that the cause of the crash must be established through the proper investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the federal Ministry of Transport, and urged the public to refrain from speculation.
He said the Sarawak Ministry of Transport (MOTS) had been working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to promote aviation safety awareness and would explore extending such initiatives to medical personnel who regularly travel by helicopter or small aircraft in the course of their duties.
“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,” Lee said.
He said the continuity of the FDS must also 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.
Lee said the tragedy should serve as an opportunity to identify weaknesses and strengthen safeguards across the system.
“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.
Lee again conveyed his sympathies to the families, colleagues and loved ones of all those who lost their lives.
“My thoughts and prayers remain with the families during this deeply painful and difficult time. May they be given strength and comfort in the days ahead,” he said. — DayakDaily
