KUALA NERANG: Private ambulances that used to cost villagers here RM600 is now available for only RM10.
Anak Muda Madani Kedah chairman Datuk Zuraidi Rahim launched the community ambulance service to help villagers here, who are mainly rubber tappers and farmers.
He said the initiative came to be after villagers raised concerns about the high cost of hiring ambulances, leaving many reluctant to seek medical treatment.
“Villagers often hesitate to call for an ambulance because of the cost.
“For transfers to Penang, the cost can reach RM600. To Kuala Lumpur, it can go up to RM1,000. That’s too much for low-income families.
“So we decided to introduce this service at the lowest possible fee. RM5 for the trip out and RM5 for the return, no matter the distance.
“Even if the patient needs to be taken to Johor, it will still be RM10,” he said at the launch of the community ambulance service in Kampung Musa, Pedu, today.
He said government hospitals and clinics provide ambulance services, but they were insufficient, especially for remote areas of Padang Terap.
The community ambulance operates for 24 hours a day and includes a doctor, a nurse, a medical assistant and a driver on duty.
“If there is an emergency in the middle of the night, villagers can call our hotline.
“Sometimes when government ambulances are tied up with other cases, patients have to wait long.
“This initiative ensures they have an immediate option without worrying about cost,” Zuraidi said.
He said the programme is a part of his non-governmental organisation’s social responsibility and a demonstration of its concern for rural communities.
“Patients who are paralysed or have spine conditions cannot travel by car.
“Many families can’t afford to hire a private ambulance for routine hospital appointments. So the patients end up missing treatment.
“If we can ease the burden of villagers even in a small way, that’s great.
“I hope this RM10 ambulance service becomes a lifeline and a ray of hope for the people of Padang Terap.”
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