Health Ministry to study introducing emergency air service in peninsula

The Health Ministry will study whether to introduce emergency air service in the peninsula to speed up rescue work.

Its minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this was to replace the service of ambulances which often got trapped in traffic congestion, especially when there was a road accident.

“We need the service quite urgently, because recently when an accident happened in Seremban, there was terrible traffic congestion and the ambulance could not reach the scene of the accident on time,” he said after visiting the victims of the bus crash at Km38, Genting Sempah, yesterday who are now warded at Selayang Hospital, near here.

Seven members of the 4B Youth movement in Baling, Kedah were killed while 39 others including two drivers were injured in the crash when the bus was travelling down from Genting Highlands.

Liow said the emergency air service had been introduced in Sabah and Sarawak due to the state’s geographical condition.

However, he added, introducing the service in the peninsula would take some time as it would involve a high cost, including for buying helicopters and other facilities.

Liow, who is Bentong member of parliament, also said that the ministry planned to upgrade Bentong Hospital in terms of service and facilities. – Bernama