SIBU: The Ex-Rajang 2026 simulation exercise is crucial in testing the readiness of agencies to respond to crises that could disrupt port operations and threaten public safety, said National Security Council (MKN) Sarawak Director, Mohammad Haffizie Putit.
He said managing a port involved more than ensuring operational efficiency, as authorities must also be prepared to deal with crises, disasters and security threats.
“Any incident that has the potential to paralyse port operations will not only have financial implications but could also threaten civilian lives and security,” he said at the closing of the a two-day simulation exercise at the Rejang Port Authority (RPA) today.
Haffizie said Ex-Rajang was therefore not merely a routine training exercise, but served as a practical test of the effectiveness of the crisis management mechanisms and procedures adopted by the relevant agencies.
He said the exercise tested the application of several key directives, including National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) Directive No. 1 on the national disaster management mechanism, MKN Directive No. 18 on crisis and public disorder management, and MKN Directive No. 21 on the management of public threats and extraordinary disasters.
He added that the Rajang Port Authority’s emergency response procedures were also important as the initial response mechanism at the port premises.
He noted that the two-day simulation had tested inter-agency coordination in responding to various security scenarios.
These included security incidents within the port premises, victim management, perimeter control and coordination between the port authority and security agencies.
“Through the integration of NADMA Directive No. 1 and MKN Directives Nos. 18 and 21, we can clearly see the importance of command, control, communication and intelligence,” he said.
However, he stressed that the purpose of the exercise was not to achieve perfection or simply identify mistakes.
“Every exercise is conducted to identify areas where we can improve and determine where we are still weak.
“We must identify our weaknesses, address them and continuously improve our capabilities. That is the actual purpose of this exercise,” he said.
Haffizie said the findings and evaluation from Ex-Rajang should be given serious attention, particularly in ensuring that standard operating procedures (SOPs) and action plans remained dynamic and relevant to current threats.
He identified three areas requiring particular attention – the adaptability of departmental-level SOPs, seamless communication between agencies and a clear chain of command.
“Communication channels between the various agencies must function without disruption. We need to ensure seamless communication at all levels.
“The chain of command must also be clear and understood by every level of personnel, both within individual agencies and at the inter-agency level,” he said.
Meanwhile RPA’s General Manager, Hayati Kiprawi, said the port would improve on any SOP if necessary.
“I will personally see that if there is any SOP that need to be changed, we are dedicated to review and improve it,”she assured.
