SHAH ALAM, Sept 9 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has taken note of concerns raised by healthcare workers regarding the allowance for Flying Doctor Service (FDS) participants and is taking measures to address the issue.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad was quoted by The Star as saying a proposal on the matter had been submitted to authorities in November last year.
He said staff welfare, including matters related to the RM30 Air Health Service Incentive Payment for FDS personnel, remained among the ministry’s priorities.
“Among the proposals we put forth was on the allowance for FDS, which we submitted in November 2025.
“We are confident we will receive a positive response from the authorities concerned,” he told a press conference today.
FDS is an MOH service that provides healthcare to people in remote areas that have limited access to medical facilities.
Medical teams are flown to these communities to provide medical consultations, screenings, treatment and other healthcare services, such as in Sarawak’s hard-to-reach interior areas.
The issue surrounding the allowance gained attention following the fatal helicopter crash involving FDS personnel in Sarawak yesterday.
The helicopter, a BO-105 operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace, crashed near the Long Lellang short take-off and landing airport (STOLport) in Sarawak at about 3pm.
The five people onboard — the pilot, a medical officer, an assistant medical officer and two nurses — were killed in the crash.
