Kuala Lumpur: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), conducted an evacuation simulation at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to ensure smooth operations for this year's Haj pilgrimage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the exercise involved 200 participants, including TH staff, MAHB personnel, and security and medical teams from KLIA, aiming to prepare Haj pilgrims for potential emergencies or unforeseen incidents. TH Domestic Haj Operations (OHTA) deputy director Mohamed Ameen Abdul Wahab emphasized the importance of the simulation in ensuring that standard operating procedures and evacuation protocols are efficiently followed in case of an emergency, particularly when pilgrims are gathered at KLIA before their departure.

Mohamed Ameen highlighted that the training is part of the preparation for Haj staff, especially ahead of the first flight on April 29, which will carry 284 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The exercise also focuses on ensuring readiness for emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, and crises, involving TH staff, MAHB personnel, and other agencies.

The drill adhered to the OHTA Emergency Action Plan and Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP), which outline emergency management protocols involving KLIA's operational units, government agencies, and airlines. TH also announced that similar evacuations will be held at other state Haj departure stations, including Sultan Mahmud International Airport in Kuala Terengganu, Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu, and Senai International Airport in Kulai.

The final flight of Malaysian Haj pilgrims is scheduled for June 1, with the Day of Arafah expected to take place on Thursday, June 5.