Amir Hamzah unveils RM5.5m sea ambulance, promises faster patient transfers from Langkawi

LANGKAWI, June 28 — The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has allocated RM5.5 million for the procurement of a sea ambulance for Langkawi and its initial operating costs, with the service expected to commence early next year.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the initiative aimed to strengthen access to faster and more efficient emergency healthcare services, particularly for the Langkawi community and tourists.

Amir Hamzah, who is also co-chairman of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), said the sea ambulance would be operated by Hospital Sultanah Maliha (HSM) here, with its primary role being the transfer of patients from the hospital to the mainland.

“At present, patient transfers from Langkawi to referral hospitals on the mainland still depend on passenger ferry services.

“This becomes even more challenging when ferry frequencies are reduced, limiting travel options, especially in emergency situations requiring immediate patient transfers,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier, he attended the presentation of RM700,000 worth of healthcare equipment contributed by MOF to HSM.

He said the sea ambulance service would also ensure the health, safety and privacy of patients during transfers.

“I understand that the sea ambulance can accommodate two stretchers and 12 personnel who will ensure patients remain comfortable and safe during the transfer,” he said.

On the healthcare equipment contributed to HSM, Amir Hamzah said it was aimed at strengthening the hospital’s capacity to provide more efficient, modern and high-quality healthcare services to Langkawi residents and the millions of tourists visiting the island each year.

He said the equipment includes medical devices, information technology (IT) facilities, furniture, vehicles and security systems.

“We welcome the government’s new initiatives, including digitalisation, where the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system will become a key pillar of the Health Ministry.

“We are providing computers on wheels, enabling nurses and doctors to enter patients’ data directly into the system during ward rounds, while connecting this hospital with other hospitals.

“This will speed up service delivery to patients, with medical records immediately available digitally in the system for healthcare personnel involved in their treatment,” he said. — Bernama