SEPANG – KL International Airport (KLIA) concluded its full-scale airport emergency exercise today as part of efforts to reinforce the airport’s readiness and resilience in managing any crises or emergency situations. As the nation’s operator of 39 airports and STOLports, Malaysia Airports undertakes exercises of such nature annually at various airports across the country to ensure its constant preparedness. The exercise is also part of compliance requirements to the Civil Aviation (Aerodrome Operations) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs). Given the name ‘Perisai Panthera’, this year’s exercise is held at klia2 terminal and involves the participation of more than 770 personnel from 33 government and private agencies. The three-day exercise comprised a series of workshops, a table-top exercise and a full-scale enactment of potential air disaster situations. Participants strengthened their coordination, capabilities, and efficiency according to procedures documented in the Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) and also provide inputs for further improvements.
Malaysia Airports’ managing director, Dato’ Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said, “Constant communication and shared strategies among all stakeholders are vital in improving our readiness when responding to crises, or any safety and security threats. We are fortunate to have garnered invaluable support from all major national agencies such as Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, Ministry of Health and many others. These exercises are a manifestation of our commitment in safeguarding national interest and infrastructure.”
The name ‘Perisai Panthera’ was chosen for this exercise because the word perisai means shield – protection against danger or risks. Whereas Panthera is the scientific name of the tiger, known for its swift and fearsome response when in danger. Airports in Malaysia are gazetted as restricted areas with several, including KLIA, categorised as a National Vital Installation Priority 1. The Priority 1 category has the highest threat and impact on national security and government functions if sabotaged or destroyed.
Various scenarios are tested during this three-day exercise where participants test and assess their skills in managing crises including in responding to any ensuing online conversations.