SEPANG – As a caring host, Malaysia Airports, is working closely with Lembaga Tabung Haji, a Hajj operator in Malaysia to ensure a smooth and seamless evacuation process for the pilgrims in the event of an emergency prior to their flight at the KL International Airport (IATA Code: KUL). A building evacuation drill was carried out at the Satellite Building of KLIA Main Terminal in KUL to test the airport’s emergency readiness earlier today.

Mohamad Suhaimi Abdul Mubin, the senior general manager of Malaysia Airports Sepang said, “As part of our transformation process towards being a service leader, we aim to be a more caring host and vigilant airport operator. Therefore, we are pleased to collaborate with Lembaga Tabung Haji for the first time in holding this evacuation exercise. It is important for the Hajj committee to familiarise themselves with the exit points and protocols in order to ensure seamless evacuation for the pilgrims during emergency situations.”

This evacuation drill is carried out as per the Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP), a documentation that encompasses contingency plans to achieve the coordinated actions through the defined guidelines of the general functions and responsibilities of the operational units at the airport, government agencies and airlines in the event of an airport emergency and as well as the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). 

According to the general manager for Domestic Operations, Hajj Department of Tabung Haji, Dato’Haji Ahmad Ruzman Ahmad Razali, “This building evacuation exercise demonstrates great commitment by Malaysia Airports in addressing potential emergencies that may occur during the upcoming hajj operations. Both organisations always work handin-hand to ensure smooth pilgrims movement and safety at the airport. The drill is important as to prepare and familiarise the hajj operation staff in the event of such incidents.”  

The drill was attended by around 600 other participants involving three stakeholders namely TH Travel & Services, Health Department of KLIA, and Politeknik Nilai.  

To date, seven similar emergency exercises have been carried out at  Langkawi International Airport, Melaka Airport, Mulu Airport, Tawau Airport, Sibu Airport, Limbang Airport, and Lahad Datu Airport. 

ENSURING EMERGENCY READINESS FOR HAJJ PILGRIMS AT KL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.PDF