SEPANG – Malaysia Airports demonstrated its robust readiness and resilience in handling air disasters with a comprehensive emergency exercise at KL International Airport (KLIA) today. This exercise is part of the airport's commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and safeguarding the security of our national infrastructure. The exercise, held every two years at various airports across the country, ensures compliance with international and national regulations, including the Civil Aviation Directive Vol.14 Standards for Aerodrome CAAM and ICAO's Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs), Annex 14, and Doc 9137 ASM Part 7—Airport Emergency Planning.
Senior General Manager of Malaysia Airports, Mohd Arif Jaafar emphasised the importance of this exercise, stating “Effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders are essential for enhancing our preparedness to respond to crises, as well as safety and security threats. Our full-scale exercise simulates potential air disasters, allowing participants to refine their coordination, capabilities, and efficiency in accordance with the Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP). We are grateful for the invaluable support from key national agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, the Ministry of Health, the Air Accident Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Transport, and many others. Today's exercise underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding national interests and infrastructure.”
This year's exercise, codenamed ‘Perisai Panthera,’ involved a simulated off-airport crash scenario. Over 800 personnel from 14 government and private agencies, providing valuable insights for continuous improvement and refinement of emergency response procedures. The scenario depicted a Sawadi Airlines Airbus A320, carrying approximately 158 passengers, experiencing an electrical failure and crashing near the northern balancing pond while approaching KLIA after departing from Penang International Airport (PEN). A prompt search and rescue (SAR) mission was launched, engaging all relevant agencies in a coordinated response to recover the aircraft and assist passengers at the incident site.
Airports in Malaysia are designated as restricted areas, with some, such as KLIA, classified as National Vital Installation Priority 1. This classification denotes the highest level of threat and impact on national security and government functions if these facilities were compromised. Given this critical designation, the AEP outlines comprehensive procedures and protocols for managing emergencies effectively, ensuring swift, coordinated, and efficient responses.
By adhering to the AEP, Malaysia Airports mitigates risks associated with the high-security status of its airports, protecting national interests, and ensuring operational continuity during crises. The plan is crucial for maintaining the safety and security of passengers and the broader community, reinforcing the airport operator's role as the custodian of essential national infrastructure.