WHEN you have a state like Penang with rapidly increasing industrial development, the risk of industrial disasters is very high.
Industrial disasters are unprecedented incidents that occur in an industrial setting, potentially leaving detrimental consequences on the surrounding population and environment.
This morning, an industrial disaster simulation training, organised by the Penang Secretariat Office Disaster Management Unit, was held at the Bulk Cargo Terminal (BCT) in Perai.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised the importance of organising disaster simulation exercises more frequently, especially in Penang, where industrial development is inevitable.
“We are all well aware of Penang’s strengths; we have been a powerhouse in areas such as manufacturing, logistics, electrical and electronics (E&E) and so on.
“The Penang government is highly concerned with the risk of disasters involving our industries, and that is why we have always been committed to ensuring a safe environment for our industry players to operate their businesses.
“That is why the industries need to be well-equipped and have the awareness of practising frequent disaster simulation exercises. This includes all the state government agencies and other relevant entities that are directly exposed to such phenomena.
“I would also like to stress the responsibility of expediting disaster simulation exercises not only with the Federal and state governments but also requires the involvement of various parties, including the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community,” Chow said during his speech at the launch of the industrial disaster simulation training at the Bulk Cargo Terminal (BCT) in Perai earlier this morning.
Chow also said that cargo terminals are considered critical sites that are more likely to be exposed to disasters, using today’s venue for the programme as a point of reference.
Earlier, a live simulation exercise, involving the Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), was held in an open space within the terminal’s vicinity.
Some 30 to 40 individuals participated in the simulation exercise.
Meanwhile, during his speech, Chow commended the Penang Secretariat Office Disaster Management Unit for organising today’s programme, reiterating the unit’s crucial role in managing industrial disasters in the state.
“This unit was specially designed to help out during disasters in the state, and it welcomes the collaboration with interested parties, from the private sector to NGOs and beyond, to collectively overcome crises involving disasters,” Chow added.
Also present during the event earlier were Penang State Secretary Datuk Rosli Isa, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Penang Deputy Secretary (Development) Datuk Zakuan Zakariah, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief executive officer Datuk Saseedharan Vasudevan.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud