MOH to review all FDS helicopter contracts, RM30 flight allowance after fatal Sarawak crash

The Health Ministry said the review would cover all aspects of FDS helicopter service contracts. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 13 Sep 2026 3:49 PM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 13 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) will review all contracts related to helicopter services for the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) following the crash of an FDS helicopter in Long Lellang, Baram, Sarawak, last Tuesday.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said the review would cover all aspects of the contracts, including matters related to FDS, in line with instructions from Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said the RM30 allowance paid to FDS personnel for each flight would also be reviewed as part of the exercise.

Mahathar declined to comment on claims that the helicopter involved in the crash was old, saying the matter was under investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

“As mentioned in the press conference issued by the Honourable Minister, we will review all the contracts related to it... everything will be reviewed,” he told reporters after officiating the Malaysian Trauma Conference (MTC) 2026 here today.

Five people were killed when the FDS helicopter carrying an MOH team crashed and caught fire near the end of the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) in Ulu Baram last Tuesday.

The victims were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham and four MOH personnel: Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, and nurses Jessie Paya Jok and Debra Moset.

Following the crash, MOH announced that FDS operations in Sarawak would be temporarily suspended to allow a comprehensive assessment of the service's safety and operational mechanisms.

The assessment covers the FDS delivery framework, including contracts, governance, operational safety, coverage requirements and the effectiveness of the existing service model. — Bernama