MIRI (Sept 25): A full-scale emergency response exercise involving 25 agencies was successfully conducted at Miri Airport today to test preparedness for an aircraft disaster scenario.

Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB) Miri Airport operations chief Anuar Izan Suhainih said the drill simulated the crash of an incoming ATR 500 aircraft on the runway at 11.30am.

The exercise scenario involved 30 people on board, comprising four crew members and 26 passengers, including eight fatalities and 22 injuries, four of which were classified as critical.

“The full scale drill went smoothly and achieved its objectives, although minor shortcomings were identified and will be addressed in postmortem discussions,” he told a press conference following the exercise.

Anuar highlighted that MASB conducts airport disaster preparedness drills annually.

He noted that the main challenge in full-scale exercises involving multiple agencies is ensuring coordinated communication.

“A clear line of communication is vital to avoid any delays as such drills involve many different participants with their respective communication systems,” he said.

The exercise fulfilled requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which mandates full-scale emergency exercises at least once every two years.

Participating agencies included MASB personnel, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Airport Fire and Rescue Services (AFRS) counterparts from Brunei Airport, Miri Port Bomba, and the Air Accident Investigation Bureau.

Other participants came from the Health Ministry, hospitals, airlines, Immigration and Customs departments, and other airport stakeholders.

Miri District Internal Security and Public Order chief DSP Sila Kadong added that 22 officers and personnel, including those at the command post, were involved in the exercise.