Embassy chips in for flying doctor service
Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025
By: Nikko Fabian Text Size: Johan, Maria and Bryant with the medical equipment. Kota Kinabalu: The US embassy in Kuala Lumpur presented a substatial donation of medical equipment to Sabah Health Departments' Flying Doctor Service (FFS) Thursday. The simple ceremony was held at the Layang-Layang Aerospace hangar located in Tanjung Aru. The generous donation, included portable ultrasound machines, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen concentrators, and various medical kits. The items were handed over to Sabah Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman who thanked the crucial role FDS plays in providing healthcare to remote and underserved communities across Sabah, often facing significant logistical challenges. She highlighted that the donated equipment will significantly enhance the FDS's capacity to diagnose, treat, and save lives, particularly in areas with limited access to medical facilities. 'This contribution is not merely a collection of machines and tools; it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring spirit of partnership and compassion between our nations,' the lady director said.
Advertisement She further emphasized the donation's impact on the FDS's ability to provide timely and effective care, strengthening their mobile clinics and empowering medical personnel. The donation ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the US Army Civil Military Support Element, the US Embassy's Office of Defence Cooperation, and officials from the Sabah State Health Department and Layang-Layang Aerospace personnels. Also present to witness the ceremony was Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd Managing Director Hj Johan Poong Abdullah. During the morning function, US Army (Military Support Equipment) Captain Bruant Y. Kim highlighted the donation as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the United States and Malaysia, underscoring a commitment to improving healthcare access for all. Bryant together with his group also expressed the Embassy's interest in future collaborations to monitor the impact of the donated equipment. 'First and foremost, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Layang Layang Aerospace team for allowing us to conduct this ceremony here today. Your support and hospitality have helped make this meaningful event possible… We are here to mark a donation that we hope will have a lasting impact,' Bryant said. He said through the provision of helicopter-related medical equipment, our goal is to strengthen the capabilities of the Sabah State Health Department's Flying Doctor Service in delivering healthcare to those who need it most— especially in remote and underserved areas of the vast and beautiful state of Sabah. The Flying Doctors Service plays an extraordinary role in connecting communities with lifesaving care, often in places where there are no roads and no other means of access. The challenges are many, but so too is the determination and dedication of the Flying Doctors Service team. This effort reflects the enduring partnership between the United States and Malaysia. We believe that when we work together government to government, and people to people—we can achieve great things. He said it ( donation) means helping to bring healthcare to those who might otherwise go without. May this contribution serve as a symbol of our friendship and as a tool to help you reach those in need, he concluded. On his part, Johan said the donated equipment is expected to immediately improve the FDS's operational capabilities, enabling them to provide more efficient and effective medical services to Sabah's most vulnerable populations. He said the event served as a powerful demonstration of international cooperation and a shared commitment to improving healthcare access in Sabah. Johan agreed with the State Health Director that the donation will enhance ability to diagnose, treat, and save lives more effectively. From the most basic diagnostic tools to more advanced life-saving apparatus, each item will be put to immediate and impactful use, strengthening our mobile clinics and enabling our doctors and nurses to perform their critical work with greater efficiency and confidence, Johan qouted Maria as saying. He said the act of generosity underscores the strong bond between the United States and Malaysia, and specifically, the commitment of the US Embassy to supporting the well-being of the people of Sabah. 'It reflects their broader goal of deepening cooperation and mutual respect…This donation is a powerful reminder that when nations come together, driven by shared values of humanity and mutual respect, remarkable things can be achieved,' Johan emphasized. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
Tawau students lead food safety fight in Germ Buster Challenge
Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 01, 2025 Text Size: TAWAU: More than 360 primary students from across Tawau stepped up as health heroes during the Germ Buster Challenge Sabah 2025, held at SK Tanjung Batu Keramat on June 14. The event, organised by the Sabah State Health Department with the Tawau District Education and Health Offices, aimed to raise awareness on food hygiene and safety issues often linked to food poisoning in schools. 'Food poisoning is preventable. By educating students early, we can break the cycle,' said Deputy State Health Director, Sitti Aralas, who officiated the event. Through fun and interactive activities like the food safety-themed Explorace and hygiene talks, students learned the importance of proper food handling, clean eating environments, and simple habits like look, smell, and taste before eating. SK Tanjung Batu Keramat emerged as the overall winner, followed by SK Jambatan Putih and SK Holy Trinity. Organisers hope the initiative empowers students, especially in Tawau, to be agents of change in promoting safe and healthy eating practices at school. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Make CPR a compulsory subject in schools, St John Ambulance S'wak chairman to federal govt
Yao delivers the speech. Also seen is the event's organizing chairman Dr Shehab Phung (seated, right). KUCHING (June 30): St John Ambulance Sarawak chairman and commander Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon appealed to the federal government to make cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) a compulsory subject in schools. Ang said his early proposal was fully supported by the then-federal Ministry of Education, but due to the several changes in federal government leadership, it was not implemented. 'The Ministry of Education was always open to ideas to improve the country's education system,' he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the St John Ambulance First Aid and Home Nursing Competition 2025 at St John Ambulance Sarawak headquarters here yesterday. His text-of-speech was delivered by St John Ambulance Sarawak deputy chairman Datuk Dr Yao Sik Chi. Ang however was confident the newly-elected federal government would follow up on the proposal, as CPR education was a major health concern rather than a political issue. He said implementing the initiative would require minimal cost, but could benefit thousands of Malaysians across all levels of society. 'With more people trained in CPR, ambulances would not need to hold up traffic; doctors, nurses and supporting staff are less stressed; millions and millions of dollars would be saved by the government and the private sector — it is a win-win situation,' he said. He pointed out that Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah had also given her support for CPR being made a necessary skill for youths to learn. 'She said it could be incorporated as a component under the physical and health education subject and could be made compulsory for students.' Ang hoped to garner the full support of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who is also St John Ambulance Malaysia deputy president; Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian for the CPR training proposal to be legislated in Parliament on a non-partisan basis with support from all MPs. He added that a budget for the supply of free automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to certain designated places should be tabled in the parliament. 'Once implemented, it would be a milestone in the history of health care in the country. Other countries can follow us,' he said.
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim: Urgent need for CPR, AED awareness as heart attacks, sudden collapses on the rise
Ting (fourth right) in a group photo with participants. Also seen are Yap (second left) and Dr Chow (third right). KUCHING (June 22): Cases of heart attacks and sudden collapses are reported to be on the rise in Sarawak, which can be fatal if immediate assistance is not provided, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said as such, there is an urgent need for awareness and training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) among the community. 'Awareness and training in CPR and the use of AEDs are extremely important and must be disseminated across all levels of society to save lives in emergency situations,' he said at the Run to Save Lives 5.0 organised by the Malaysian Red Crescent Sarawak (MRCS) Kuching Chapter today. His text of speech was delivered by Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting. Dr Sim said the Sarawak government welcomed any initiatives by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the MRCS and private sectors to work together in widely promoting this knowledge. He also commended the efforts of MRC Kuching for actively organising CPR and AED awareness training and for involving more schools and communities in their programmes. 'I was informed that 28 primary and secondary schools are participating in this year's Run to Save Lives event. 'This shows that Sarawak's younger generation is becoming increasingly engaged in community initiatives,' he said. He added that such efforts are crucial in shaping a generation that not only excels academically but is also sensitive to health and community safety issues. In the context of Sarawak's encouraging economic development, Dr Sim stressed that the health and well-being of the people must remain a top priority that should not be taken lightly. 'Events like this not only help raise funds but also spread important messages about healthy lifestyles and preparedness in emergency situations,' he said. He expressed hope that more Sarawakians, especially the younger generation, will step up to support and participate in community initiatives for the greater good. Also present were Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap and event organising chairman Dr Chow Chee Ming.
