THE safety of highway users remains a top priority, hence emergency simulation exercises are vital, says PLUS Malaysia Bhd.
The highway concessionaire said it had held a drill in collaboration with various safety agencies on a stretch from Kubang Semang to Lunas (eastbound) between KM16.7 and KM17.7 on the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway.
“This simulation exercise was conducted to test the preparedness, efficiency and response time of PLUS personnel, rescue teams and related agencies, while also evaluating the effectiveness of coordinated actions when faced with real emergency situations,” said PLUS operations
senior general manager Mohd Yusuf Abdul Aziz.
Such exercises held regularly helped strengthen strategic relationships and continuously enhanced the capabilities of all parties involved, he added.
The exercise featured an accident scenario primarily involving a petrol and diesel tanker lorry and a Class 3 lorry carrying chemical liquids.
Based on the emergency response plan, the scenario tested the efficiency of rescue operations, fire control, hazardous material spill management, casualty evacuation, traffic control and inter-agency communication coordination, PLUS said in a press statement.
Meanwhile, Penang Fire and Rescue Department operations assistant director John Sagun Francis said the exercise reflected the proactive commitment of all agencies.
“The close cooperation between the Fire and Rescue Department, PLUS and related agencies ensures that every team can respond quickly, efficiently and in an organised manner when managing any incident on the highway,” he said.
The emergency simulation involved the participation of some 100 personnel from various rescue agencies and strategic partners, including Malaysian Highway Authority, police, Health Ministry, Environment Department and Malaysia Civil Defence Force.
Transportation strategic partner Prifaria Sdn Bhd and highway maintenance contractor Edgenta Infrastructure Services were also involved.
