News

Brinchang Heli Crash: MOH Suspends Flying Doctor Unit Services Pending Probe

A helicopter with six people on board crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Brinchang, Cameron Highlands yesterday. The Kinta District Health Office’s Flying Doctor Unit (PDU) services have been temporarily suspended following the incident.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this will take effect pending a safety assessment done and discussions with the aircraft operator, as well as counseling for the other PDU squad from the same health office to boost their confidence in continuing the services.

“They provide services in rural areas, especially in Orang Asli settlements in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Hulu Perak, and other nearby areas, and the service could resume in a few days.

“The services are extremely important as they are provided daily to those who are cut off from health facilities due to distance and geographical challenges. However, there was an incident yesterday,” he told reporters after visiting the victims at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital here today.

The six are pilot Captain Fedzrol Norazam, 43, and five Health Ministry staff, namely medical officer Dr. Munirah Abd Rahman, 53, community nurse Hashilawati Hussin, 43, staff nurse Norhasikin Abu Seman, 38, Public Health Assistant Zainurol Fazlan Zainudin, 40, and medical assistant Muhamad Azlan Hanifah, 31.

Khairy said all of them are reported to be in stable condition.

Meanwhile, he said the helicopter used by the medical team was not MOH-owned but leased from a licensed company registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), adding that the aircraft had undergone all safety checks.

“Based on reports from the authorities and the police, the incident is believed not to be linked to the aircraft itself but due to weather factors, and due to this (bad weather) Captain Fedzrol had to ensure the aircraft landed safely.

“We are leaving it to the police and the authorities to investigate, but early findings suggest that it was due to bad weather which forced an emergency landing to be done.

“The important thing now is to discuss with the charter company and to be briefed whether the (flying doctor) services can continue, even through the monsoon season,” he said.

Sources: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

SEACare 2025 Solidifies Malaysia’s Leadership in Southeast Asia’s Healthcare Landscape

Malaysia’s commitment to transforming its healthcare system takes centre stage this week as SEACare 2025,… Read More

3 days ago

Drop: A First Date That Turns Into a Psychological Minefield

What happens when trust, trauma, and tequila meet at the same table?  That’s the unnerving… Read More

3 days ago

SME Bank Collaborates with Autism Cafe Project to Empower Autistic Entrepreneurs

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) has partnered with The Autism Cafe… Read More

3 days ago

Pahlawan Malaysia 2025: Malaysia’s Premier Obstacle Sports Competition Set to Energize the Nation at the Curve, Mutiara Damansara

The Malaysia Obstacle Race Sports Association is proud to announce Pahlawan Malaysia 2025, the premier… Read More

3 days ago

Tesla Malaysia is Celebrating the ‘Earth Week’ to Rewards Owners in Conjunction with a ‘Refer and Win’ Campaign

Embracing the mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla Malaysia launches the… Read More

3 days ago

Malaysia’s Viper Niza Racing On The Winners’ Podium At The 12 Hours Of Spa Francorchamps

Malaysians Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh raced to a podium finish at last… Read More

3 days ago

This website uses cookies.