SHAH ALAM, July 15 — Phase 2 of Ambulans Kita Selangor was launched today, with the service expanding to cover all 56 state constituencies from just 26 previously, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the expansion covers all 86 health clinics in Selangor and 23 government hospitals, served by 48 ambulances owned by St John Ambulance Malaysia.
He added that the initiative, launched last November, also strengthens social health networks and improves the people’s well-being.
“Overall, the state government allocated around RM1 million for this initiative since the first phase was introduced in November last year,” he told a press conference after the launch of Ambulans Kita Selangor Phase 2 and the unveiling of Selangor’s public health icon here today.
Amirudin said that from November to last month, the service has plied 374 round trips for 103 patients, with the highest use recorded in Taman Medan in Petaling Jaya, Sijangkang in Kuala Langat, and Paya Jaras in Sungai Buloh.
“This means the suburbs need more help and support than other areas. These people not only receive treatment in Selangor, but also in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, and Teluk Intan and Slim River in Perak.
“It is also in demand in lower- and middle-income residential areas as it provides better support than hiring private ambulances,” he added.
At the launch, Amirudin introduced the tanjung flower as Selangor’s public health icon, which symbolises the state government’s aspiration to empower the public health agenda.
“This icon reflects togetherness, community involvement, and cooperation of all parties. This flower shows the close collaboration between the government, institutions, and community as a whole.
“We not only provide public health (services) and depend on the Health Ministry, but also involve private partnerships to manage (public health) and provide better results,” he explained.
Ambulans Kita Selangor was introduced in November to aid B40 residents in 26 constituencies across Petaling, Kuala Langat and Kuala Selangor, involving five local authorities.
Amirudin said the initiative would allow households to save between RM250 and RM600 compared with using private ambulance services.
