SIMANGGANG – The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (BSMM) Sri Aman District has officially introduced its first ambulance, a milestone expected to significantly improve healthcare access for rural communities.
The new vehicle, valued at RM200,000, was donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to BSMM Sri Aman District Chairman Isaac Stalin Simon, the ambulance will not only serve as a patient transport vehicle but also play a vital role in disaster relief and community events.
“We need transport for patients, especially the elderly, the sick and the poor in the district. With the ambulance, the treatment of patients will be more sustainable and safer,” he explained.
The initiative was first discussed during the 2024 World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebrations. After months of planning and collaboration, including support from automotive company Toyota, the project came to fruition in October 2025.
The ambulance service was launched at the BSMM operations centre by Sri Aman MP Dato’ Sri Doris Sophia Brodie. She emphasised that the addition of the vehicle demonstrated BSMM’s commitment to strengthening grassroots healthcare.
“Services like this are very important to ensure that no one is deprived of treatment, especially the victims. I hope more stakeholders, including the corporate sector, will support this good work to strengthen health services and volunteer training in Sri Aman,” she said.
To further support the initiative, Dato’ Sri Doris announced an allocation of RM10,000 from the Sri Aman Parliamentary Service Centre. The funding will assist BSMM in expanding its services and ensuring that residents across the district benefit from improved healthcare access.
Healthcare challenges in rural Sarawak have long been a concern, with limited transport options often delaying treatment for patients in remote areas. The introduction of the ambulance is expected to reduce these barriers, providing faster and safer access to clinics and hospitals.
Beyond medical emergencies, the ambulance will also be deployed during community programmes, sporting events, and disaster response operations. BSMM officials highlighted that this multi-purpose use reflects the organisation’s broader mission of serving the community in times of need.
The launch marks a significant step forward for Sri Aman, where volunteer-driven initiatives continue to play a crucial role in bridging healthcare gaps. With growing support from both government and private stakeholders, BSMM Sri Aman hopes to expand its resources and training programmes to strengthen its humanitarian services further.
As rural communities face increasing demands for accessible healthcare, the arrival of this ambulance is seen as a practical and symbolic advancement in ensuring that no resident is left behind.
