Kuching: DAPSY Sarawak Deputy Chief Soo Tien Ren has called on the government and the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) operator, Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd, to ensure transparency, accountability, and the highest safety standards following the fatal helicopter crash at Long Lellang.
Soo, who is also Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the medical personnel and pilot who died in the tragedy.
He said the crash had raised serious questions about the safety of aeromedical services operating in Sarawak’s rural and interior areas.
“The public has every right to know whether the existing framework governing aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, contractual arrangements and regulatory oversight of the FDS is sufficiently stringent and comprehensive,” he said in a statement.
Soo noted that, based on publicly available information, Layang-Layang Aerospace had previously been awarded contracts worth approximately RM63 million to provide FDS, medical evacuation and related aeromedical services for the Sarawak State Health Department.
He said the government and operator should provide a clear account of the safety systems and safeguards currently in place.
Without prejudicing the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) investigation, Soo said the operator should explain its aviation safety management and operational procedures.
He said the investigation should examine the aircraft’s maintenance and servicing history, replacement of critical components, accumulated flight hours, pre-flight inspections, risk assessments and safety measures for missions into remote areas.
However, Soo stressed that the exact cause of the crash remained subject to the AAIB’s investigation and no party should assign blame before its findings are established.
He urged the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to concurrently review FDS contractual requirements, safety monitoring, maintenance standards, fleet airworthiness management and regulatory oversight.
Soo said the FDS was not an ordinary commercial aviation operation, as medical personnel rely on it to reach remote communities and provide essential healthcare.
“Supporting local companies must never mean lowering the standards of accountability or safety,” he said.
He added that Sarawakians were seeking facts, transparency and accountability before the investigation concludes, rather than speculation or a scapegoat.
