KUALA TERENGGANU, May 20 — The Ministry of Health (MoH) has presented two new ambulance boats for the improvement of health services in Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the new ambulance boats, worth RM1.4 million, are replacements for the existing boats that are old and often faulty.

He said that, with the new boats, patient transfers and emergency services can be conducted with speed, efficiency and safety.

"The ambulance boat service is not only needed by locals but also for sending tourists to hospital.

"With an average frequency of 10 to 20 ambulance boat trips per month, efficient transport services are very important on both islands,” he said after the inauguration ceremony of the Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian Health Clinic Ambulance Boats at the Duyong Marina Jetty, here, today.

Deputy director-general (public health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli and Terengganu Health Department director Datuk Dr Kasemani Embong also attended the ceremony.

Lukanisman said the new ambulance boats, which are bigger and each with a capacity to carry 12 passengers at any one time, can also be used during the monsoon season as they can ride waves as high as two metres.

"The ambulance boats are built according to the standards of the Marine Department and equipped with safety equipment, including GPS (Global Positioning System) Receiver, VHF Marine Radio and Magnetic Compass,” he added.

He also said that MoH is studying applications for new ambulance boats in several Sabah islands and interiors. — Bernama