Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this will take effect pending the completion of a safety assessment and discussions with the aircraft operator, as well as counselling for other members of the unit from the same health office to boost their confidence in continuing the service.

“They provide the service in rural areas, especially in Orang Asli settlements in Gua Musang, Kelantan, as well as in Hulu Perak and other nearby areas. We expect the service to possibly resume in a few days.

“The service is extremely important as it is provided daily to those who are cut off from health facilities due to distance and geographical challenges,” he told reporters after visiting the victims at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital here.

The six are pilot Fedzrol Norazam, 43, and five health ministry staff, namely medical officer Dr Munirah Abd Rahman, 53, community nurse Hashilawati Hussin, 43, staff nurse Norhasikin Abu Seman, 38, public health assistant Zainurol Fazlan Zainudin, 40, and medical assistant Azlan Hanifah, 31.

Khairy said all of them are reported to be in stable condition.

Meanwhile, he said the helicopter used by the medical team was not owned by the ministry but leased from a licensed company registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), adding that the aircraft had undergone all safety checks.

“Based on reports from the authorities and the police, the accident is believed to have happened due to bad weather and had nothing to do with the aircraft itself.

“We are leaving it to the police and the authorities to investigate, but early findings suggest that it was due to bad weather which forced an emergency landing to be done.

“The important thing now is to discuss with the charter company and to be briefed whether the (flying doctor) services can continue, even through the monsoon season,” he said.