2 days ago
Fire Dept conducts Mount Kinabalu evacuation drill, marks quake anniversary
Participants taking part in the Mount Kinabalu Evacuation Simulation Exercise.
RANAU (June 6): The Sabah State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) successfully conducted a three-day Mount Kinabalu Evacuation Simulation Exercise from June 3 to 5.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohd Pisar Aziz said that the exercise not only commemorates the tragic earthquake incident that occurred on June 5, 2015, but also serves as a platform for disaster preparedness in high-risk locations such as Mount Kinabalu.
'The exercises starts from Panalaban to the Low's Peak summit of Mount Kinabalu involving 49 participants in the mountainous area and 20 participants at the foot of the mountain.
'Overall, the exercise simulation was a success,' he said during the closing ceremony of the Mount Kinabalu Evacuation Simulation Exercise and in conjunction with the 2025 Mount Kinabalu Earthquake Commemoration Ceremony.
Mohd Pisar also expressed his appreciation to all agencies and parties involved directly and indirectly in making the exercise a success, including Sabah Parks, Sabah National Security Council, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Royal Malaysian Police, KEPSAS, APM, Mountain Malim Gunung Association, Porter Association, Sutera Sanctuary Lodge, KOKTAS, Mountain Torq and Sabapak Eco Berhad.
Mohd Pisar said the commitment and efficiency shown by all participants served as an example for the implementation of such exercises in the future.
He said the 2015 earthquake that claimed 18 lives including climbers and mountain guides, and injuring many climbers had triggered a major change in the safety approach in the Mount Kinabalu area.
'Such exercises like this will test the coordination, communication and emergency response systems between agencies, in addition to educating the local community including tourism operators, mountain guides, porters and residents to be better prepared.
'I hope these exercises can be continued periodically so that the level of preparedness of all parties remains at an optimal level.
'We cannot be complacent or forgetful because disasters know no time and place. Continue the commitment to making Mount Kinabalu not just a superior tourist destination, but a safe area that is ready to face any challenge,' he said.
