Health Ministry denies claims officials absent from funerals of FDS crash victims

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad (centre) is seen during funeral prayers for medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, 33, at Masjid Al Karomah Mukim Baung Besar in Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, on September 13, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 10:20 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Allegations that no senior health officials attended the funerals of members of the Flying Doctors Service (FDS) killed in a crash in Sarawak are untrue and irresponsible, Health deputy director-general Dr Ismuni Bohari said.

He added that he himself had visited the families of the crash victims in Miri and Kuching, and also paid his last respects to the victims.

“I myself was there, visiting the victims’ families in Miri and Kuching on behalf of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and the ministry’s senior leaders and paid my last respects to my beloved FDS colleagues.

“Dr Dzulkefly, secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and deputy secretary-general went to Senawang and I myself went to Miri and Kuching. That was what was determined by senior health officials,” he posted on X.

He said his presence was not only in an official capacity, but also out of humanitarian concern and his close ties with the FDS team, which he had previously been part of, as well as in his capacity as a Sarawak native and National Public Health Programme director.

“May we continue to honour those who have passed away and stand together in providing support and strength to the bereaved families,” he said.

Tuesday, a news portal alleged that the Health Minister should have paid his last respects to the families of the FDS victims in Sarawak instead of attending a conference in the capital while the victims’ funerals were being held.

Dr Ismuni said the news portal should have verified the facts and corrected the information in its report before legal action is taken. — Bernama