Focus

Brinchang heli crash: MOH suspends Flying Doctor Unit services pending probe

27 Oct 2022 04:53pm
Khairy Jamaluddin (three, right) visited Public Health Assistant Zainurol Fazlan Zainudin, 40, from the Kinta District Health Office (PKD) Flying Doctor Unit (PDU) at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) today. - Bernama Photo
Khairy Jamaluddin (three, right) visited Public Health Assistant Zainurol Fazlan Zainudin, 40, from the Kinta District Health Office (PKD) Flying Doctor Unit (PDU) at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) today. - Bernama Photo
IPOH - The Kinta District Health Office’s Flying Doctor Unit (PDU) services have been temporarily suspended following the incident in which a helicopter with six people on board crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Brinchang, Cameron Highlands yesterday.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this will take effect pending a safety assessment done and discussions with the aircraft operator, as well as counselling 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.
Related Articles:


"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. - BERNAMA

Khairy Jamaluddin
Helicopter crash
flying doctor
Kinta Health Office
Brinchang
More Like This
TNB shares surged in early trade on Friday after announcing a new tariff schedule for Peninsular Malaysia under Regulatory Period 4.
TNB shares surged in early trade on Friday after announcing a new tariff schedule for Peninsular Malaysia under Regulatory Period 4.
National TNB share rises in early trade on new tariff announcement
The stock opened 24 sen higher at RM14.42, up from Thursday’s close of RM14.18. By 10.35am, it climbed 62 sen, or 4.37 per cent, to RM14.80, with a total of 7.51 million shares changing hands.
The transportation industry faces a shortage of 5,000 bus drivers, causing some companies, particularly those operating express and tour buses, to fail in providing two drivers for long-distance journeys. (Inset: Ashfar)
The transportation industry faces a shortage of 5,000 bus drivers, causing some companies, particularly those operating express and tour buses, to fail in providing two drivers for long-distance journeys. (Inset: Ashfar)
National Bus driver shortage at critical level, industry appeals for solutions
By NURHIDAYAH HAIROM
27 Dec 2024 11:35am
Many potential workers interested in becoming bus or lorry drivers could not afford the high costs of obtaining a Class E driver’s licence and a Public Service Vehicle vocational licence for buses or a Goods Driving Licence for lorries.
DUPP chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said the implementation of the public caning punishment handed by the Terengganu Syariah Court adhered to clear legal provisions and did not contradict the state's jurisdiction under List II of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
DUPP chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said the implementation of the public caning punishment handed by the Terengganu Syariah Court adhered to clear legal provisions and did not contradict the state's jurisdiction under List II of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
National Syariah caning punishment ensures justice, not humiliation, DUPP tells Suhakam
By IZWAN ROZLIN
27 Dec 2024 10:06am
It (public caning) should be viewed in the context of punishment that fosters remorse in the offender and serves as a deterrent for society to avoid committing similar offences in the future.
City police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa - FILE PIX / ROSLI TALIB
City police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa - FILE PIX / ROSLI TALIB
National UM lecturer, students among seven questioned over cat deaths
The carcass of a cat, found on Dec 21, was handed over to the police by an animal rights activist and has been sent to a veterinary laboratory for examination and autopsy.