BEHIND every effective disaster response is months of meticulous planning, close collaboration and unwavering commitment from multiple agencies.
This was the key message shared by ‘Op-Kilat 2026’ Southwest District chief clinical coordinator, Dr Shahira Md Ismail, who also serves as the Head of the Emergency Department and Emergency Medicine Specialist at Hospital Balik Pulau, during an interview with Buletin Mutiara.
The Op-Kilat 2026 Southwest District inter-agency disaster simulation exercise, held on July 29 at the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) camp in Pulau Betong, Balik Pulau, brought together more than 300 participants from over 20 government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in a large-scale emergency response exercise.
Although the simulation lasted only a day, Dr Shahira revealed that preparations had been underway for almost 10 months.
“The main objective of this disaster simulation is to strengthen coordination among government agencies in managing emergencies and disasters. It provides us with an opportunity to assess how effectively different agencies communicate, coordinate and work together when responding to real-life incidents,” she said.
The exercise was jointly organised by the Southwest District Office and the Emergency Department of Hospital Balik Pulau.
Among the key participating agencies were the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
The programme also received strong support from numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community organisations, including St John Ambulance Malaysia, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (PBSM), the Sungai Ara Community, volunteer fire brigades and several other volunteer groups that played vital roles throughout the simulation.
Dr Shahira explained that the exercise covered a wide range of disaster scenarios, including natural disasters, road traffic accidents and industrial incidents.
“Through this simulation, we are able to evaluate inter-agency coordination and identify areas for improvement in disaster management. Every agency has its own expertise, but when a major disaster occurs, success depends on how well everyone works together as a unified team,” she said.
She added that involving a broad spectrum of agencies including the Department of Information Malaysia (JAPEN), the Department of Environment (DOE) and many others reflects the comprehensive approach required in modern disaster response.
In closing, Dr Shahira expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Southwest District Office for spearheading the initiative, as well as to every participating agency, organisation and volunteer whose dedication and cooperation contributed to the success of Op-Kilat 2026.
“Disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility. Exercises like this not only enhance our readiness but also strengthen the partnerships that are essential when lives are at stake,” she said.
Story by Riadz Akmal