Malaysia has suspended Flying Doctor Service flights in Sarawak for a safety review after a helicopter crash killed a pilot and four medical workers.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the service suspension on September 10, 2026, two days after the helicopter crashed near Long Lellang airstrip in the Malaysian state on Borneo.
Emergency medical evacuations will continue through cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Department, officials said. The ministry is also discussing possible military assistance to transport patients needing urgent treatment.
The helicopter’s operator, Layang-Layang Aerospace, voluntarily halted operations of its BO-105 helicopters and other aircraft in its fleet using Rolls-Royce 250-series engines, according to Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia CEO Captain Norazman Mahmud.
He stressed that the grounding was precautionary and did not establish that an engine or another component caused the accident. CAAM is monitoring the operator’s inspections and reviewing aircraft, operator and pilot records.
Video posted to social media showed the helicopter flying under control but trailing thick gray smoke before it crashed and burst into flames.
The helicopter involved, a BO-105 registered 9M-LLF, was conducting a medical mission on September 8, 2026. Police described an itinerary from Miri serving several remote communities, including Long Lellang.
The five people killed were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, and nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya Jok.
Malaysia’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau, part of the Transport Ministry, is investigating. Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah said on September 11, 2026, that investigators were at the site.
Norazman said an initial report was expected within 30 days and a final report within a year.
The Flying Doctor Service brings healthcare workers to communities with limited access to permanent medical facilities. The Health Ministry’s review will examine safety, contracts, oversight and alternative ways to reach those communities.
The crash also disrupted scheduled passenger services. AirBorneo said Long Lellang airstrip temporarily closed to commercial operations, prompting it to move two September 9 flights between Miri and Long Lellang to September 11.