SIBU: Sri Minyak Group will hold an emergency drill at the Shell petrol station in Jalan Sungai Maaw here on Tuesday (Nov 7) starting at 8.30am.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday (Nov 6), Sri Minyak Group general manager Amelia Tiu said the drill aims to ensure the smooth, organised and effective implementation of safety practices in the event of a real emergency.
She added that to ensure the smooth running of the programme, part of Jalan Sungai Maaw near the petrol station will be closed from 8.30am to 11am.
“This emergency exercise is expected to take about two hours, but we will try to complete it as soon as possible.
“So we ask for the cooperation of the public from the surrounding area to be patient during this exercise.”
Accordingly, the gas station will also be closed to the public until the exercise is completed.
“This is the first time we are holding an emergency drill for the gas station here which started operating in November last year.
“We hope the public will not panic with the presence of thick smoke from the gas station later because it is only a simulation.”
Meanwhile, Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Abdul Mutalif Ja’afar, who was also present, said this exercise will be carried out in collaboration with the Sungai Merah police station, Sibu Hospital and various other agencies.
The exercise contains two simulations of emergency scenarios at gas stations, namely a fire on a vehicle while refueling and an accident involving a tanker truck with a vehicle.
“We will deploy about 17 members with several fire engines and an ambulance.
“Throughout this simulation, we will use real fire extinguishers because we want to educate the public about the methods used by Bomba in controlling and extinguishing fires.”
Also speaking was Sergeant Raymond Francis from the Sungai Merah police station.
He said about four to five members will be deployed to manage traffic and ensure public safety during the exercise.