Exercise highlights responses to oil spill incidents

KUCHING: The Ex-Empurau Oil Spill Response Exercise 2024 in Miri waters has concluded, marking a significant achievement in strengthening Malaysia’s preparedness for oil spill incidents.

Director-general of the federal Department of Environment Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said this large-scale exercise, organised by PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Asset) in collaboration with the Department of Environment and other key agencies, was the first of its kind since the COVID-19 pandemic.

He went on to highlight the essential role of the Water and Marine Division and the Sarawak State Department of Environment (DOE), alongside PETRONAS Carigali, in planning and executing the exercise.

“This exercise has successfully tested and strengthened the Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) used by PETRONAS Carigali and other relevant plans, enhancing cooperation between federal and state agencies and the oil and gas industry.

“The commitment and dedication shown by all participants are commendable, and the knowledge gained here will be invaluable in the real oil spill crisis,” he said in his closing speech.

The exercise, he added, involved the deployment of oil control and cleanup equipment at sea and on beaches, demonstrating the effectiveness of existing expertise, technology, and communication systems in minimising oil spill impacts.

The participation of federal and state agencies, private entities, and non-governmental organisations, including the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and the National Security Council (MKN), was crucial to the success of the exercise.

As the chairman of National Oil Spill Operation (NOSC), he also urged all agencies to utilise the insights gained to refine their standard operating procedures and enhance communication systems.

He emphasised the importance of continued cooperation and preparedness to ensure the protection and sustainability of Malaysia’s marine environment.