IPOH - The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to ensure helicopters used in the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) meet safety standards on par with aircraft used by national leaders.
Its president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the safety of healthcare personnel cannot be compromised, particularly when carrying out critical missions involving interior areas.
He said that while the FDS emergency service must continue given its importance to the community, the government is responsible for guaranteeing the quality and safety standards of the transport assets used.
"If ministers can use aircraft with high standards, why aren't healthcare workers given the same level of safety?
"Do not create a perception that their safety is sidelined while they are on duty saving other people's lives," he said.
He said this at a press conference in conjunction with the 2026 MMA National Convention and Scientific Congress here on Thursday.
Also present were Perak State Health Department director Datuk Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha and MMA Perak chairman, who is also chairman of the organising committee for the 2026 MMA National Convention and Scientific Congress, Dr Monesh Pillai.
Earlier, media reported that all five victims of the FDS helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Miri, Sarawak, were confirmed dead.
The victims were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33, medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31, and two nurses, Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44.
Elaborating further, Dr Thirunavukarasu stressed that tragedies involving health services should not be forgotten after a certain period without comprehensive corrective action.
He said the MMA wants a safety audit carried out on all forms of health transport including air, land and sea.
"This includes ambulances and boats used in interior areas. Safety must be a priority in all these services," he said.
He also stressed the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to identify the cause of the incident and improve existing systems.
"The MMA does not want this issue to simply pass by. There must be accountability and a clear explanation of what happened," he said.
At the same time, he said improvement measures including insurance coverage, safety training and staff's right to voice concerns need to be strengthened to ensure their confidence in the system is preserved.
"The five lives lost must become a turning point for the existing system, not just a tragedy that is forgotten," he said.