Minister: Emergency readiness key to Sarawak's aviation development
MIRI (Aug 12): Sarawak must strengthen its capacity to respond effectively to emergencies in line with the state's ongoing efforts to develop its aviation and transport infrastructure, said state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
Speaking at the official launch of the Joint Aeronautical Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX JASAR) 2025 here earlier today, he said that as Sarawak aspired to play a greater role within the national and regional aviation ecosystem, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MoTS) had begun shaping its long-term vision through the Sarawak Aviation and Aerospace Strategy.
'The vision includes enhancing regional emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination, particularly for offshore and remote area operations.
'It also involves strengthening aviation infrastructure, regulatory alignment, human capital development, and exploring long-term opportunities in aerospace education, aircraft maintenance, and sustainable aviation initiatives, such as research on alternative fuels,' he said.
Lee emphasised that while the strategy was still being formalised, exercises like SAREX JASAR were critical building blocks that could help identify the gaps, validate protocols, and build operational experience to guide future policies and investments in aviation safety and aerospace readiness.
Lee also highlighted the importance of offshore aviation safety, particularly for the oil and gas sector – one of the nation's most important economic pillars.
'A robust search-and-rescue (SAR) capability, rapid response systems, and well-coordinated multi-agency support are essential to sustaining operations in this high-risk and high-value industry,' he said.
He also acknowledged the crucial roles of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS).
On SAREX JASAR 2025, Lee described it as 'not only a drill, but also a demonstration of Sarawak's commitment to aviation safety, the protection of our critical industries, and the pursuit of long-term aerospace development'.
He also expressed appreciation to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Shell Malaysia, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), and the 23 other participating agencies including government departments, enforcement bodies, regulators, airport and air operators, and key players from Malaysia's oil and gas industry , for jointly holding the event.
'I was informed that the exercise involved more than 300 personnel from 23 organisations. This strong multi-agency participation is a clear testament to our united commitment to advancing Malaysia's offshore aviation and SAR readiness,' he said.
Among those present were CAAM chief executive officer Dato Capt Norazman Mahmud, CAAM Air Navigation Services Operations Division director Khairul A'amali Ismail, and Petronas senior general manager Anuar Ismail. aviation development emergency response lead Lee Kim Shin
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