Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced plans to review all contracts pertaining to helicopter services for the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) in the aftermath of a helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, Sarawak, last Tuesday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab stated that the review would encompass all aspects of the contracts, including specific issues related to the FDS. This decision aligns with directives from Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Additionally, the RM30 allowance currently given to FDS personnel for each flight is slated for reassessment as part of this comprehensive review.

Dr Mahathar refrained from commenting on allegations regarding the age of the helicopter involved in the crash, noting that the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is conducting an investigation into the incident. "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 conveyed to reporters during the Malaysian Trauma Conference (MTC) 2026.

The tragic crash, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals, involved an FDS helicopter carrying a team from the MOH. The victims included 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.

In response to the incident, the MOH has temporarily suspended FDS operations in Sarawak to facilitate a thorough evaluation of the service's safety and operational protocols. This assessment will address various components such as the FDS delivery framework, contracts, governance, operational safety, coverage requirements, and the overall effectiveness of the existing service model.