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

Pandora’s Grand Return to Mid Valley: New Store, Fresh Vibes & Summer Sparkle

Pandora is officially back at Mid Valley Megamall, and it’s bringing all the sparkle you… Read More

9 hours ago

Skechers Unveils Bold New Flagship at Bugis Junction With K-pop Star MINNIE in the House!

Skechers just levelled up in Singapore and it’s not playing it safe. The newly expanded… Read More

11 hours ago

Xiaomi Introduces Redmi Pad 2 Series: Immersive Entertainment, Now More Vibrant Than Ever

Xiaomi Corporation ("Xiaomi" or the "Group"; stock code:1810), a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company… Read More

12 hours ago

RM250,000 Worth of Free Meals Up for Grabs at These Japanese Restaurants in KL

Across the 10-day celebration, these Japanese Restaurants in KL will be giving away up to… Read More

14 hours ago

Panasonic Sets New Malaysia Record, Inspires Youth Environmental Action through Battery Recycling Drive

In a major step forward for youth education and environmental responsibility, Panasonic Malaysia has reached… Read More

15 hours ago

Alipay+ Launches World’s First Smart Glasses-Embedded Payment Solution

Alipay+ Launches World’s First Smart Glasses-Embedded Payment Solution After Alipay debuted a smart glasses payment… Read More

3 days ago

This website uses cookies.