SEPANG, To ensure the smooth operation of the Hajj pilgrimage and the safety of pilgrims, Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), conducted a simulated evacuation exercise at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 today.
This exercise aims to ensure that prospective Hajj pilgrims are prepared for any emergency situations and unforeseen incidents, such as a fire.
TH’s Hajj operations (OHTA) deputy director Mohd Zawawi Boston said that the simulation exercise was conducted annually before the Hajj season to test and inspect standard operating procedures (SOPs) and evacuation protocols before pilgrims departed for the holy land.
“Today’s simulation involved the cooperation of various parties with a team of 172 members who successfully carried out the exercise.
“This collaboration is seen as a national agenda, as we need to work together to uphold the country’s image because we believe that the outside world sees Malaysia as a role model. It is one
of the improvements to continue providing knowledge to pilgrims, not only in terms of worship but also in safety management,” he said.
Mohd Zawawi was speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the simulation session which lasted about 45 minutes here today.
The evacuation simulation exercise was based on the OHTA Emergency Action Plan and the Aerodrome Emergency Plan, documents developed to coordinate emergency management and disaster response actions involving KLIA operations units, government agencies, and aviation authorities.
The parties involved in the simulation were MAHB, Royal Malaysia Police, Ministry of Health, the Immigration Department, and the Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS).
Malaysia Airports (Sepang) senior general manager Mohd Arif Jaafar said such cooperation between TH and MAHB was important as it required good coordination from all agencies involved.
“It also aims to test the readiness of airport staff when the Hajj season arrives and directly assess and improve communicatio
n and coordination among the teams,” he added, saying that his team was ready to facilitate more than 30,000 Hajj pilgrims expected this year.
The Saudi Arabian government has approved a quota of 31,600 Hajj pilgrims for Malaysia for the year 1445H/2024.
The first flight for Malaysian Hajj pilgrims will commence on May 9, with the final flight scheduled for June 9, 2024.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency