Latest news with #MSJCE
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Malaysia-Singapore chemical spill drill boosts cross-border safety
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Regional cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore reached new heights as both nations conducted a joint chemical spill response drill at the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (Linkedua). The 14th emergency simulation, organised under the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE), involved 15 agencies testing inter-agency coordination and mobilisation strategies. Department of Environment (DOE) director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar emphasised the exercise's importance in refining emergency response capabilities. 'This training strengthens communication between both countries and ensures efficient mobilisation of assets and personnel during chemical spill incidents,' he said. Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) CEO Wong Kang Jet also attended the drill. Wan Abdul Latiff revealed that approximately 150,000 tonnes of hazardous chemicals cross the Linkedua border annually. Despite no recorded spill incidents, he stressed the need for continuous preparedness. 'Detailed simulations help prevent accidents and ensure rapid response if needed,' he added. – Bernama
Barnama
2 days ago
- General
- Barnama
M'sia, Singapore Join Forces In Chemical Spill Response Drill At Linkedua
ISKANDAR PUTERI, July 23 (Bernama) -- Regional collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore to strengthen chemical spill preparedness took centre stage today at the 14th emergency chemical spill simulation exercise held at the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (Linkedua). The event, organised through the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE), brought together about 15 agencies from both countries to test and improve inter-agency communication and mobilisation in the event of a hazardous spill. Department of Environment (DOE) director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the simulation, hosted by Singapore this year, played a vital role in enhancing response capacity and coordination between the two nations. "This training is very important as it strengthens communication between the two countries and our agencies in mobilising all assets and human resources to address chemical spills. "This time, Singapore is the host, and God willing, in two years' time Malaysia will be the host," he said when met after the exercise at Linkedua here today, which was also attended by Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) chief executive officer, Wong Kang Jet. Wan Abdul Latiff also revealed that an estimated 150,000 tonnes of hazardous chemicals are transported across the Malaysia-Singapore border via Linkedua each year. However, he noted that no crashes involving chemical spills had been reported at the location so far. "Therefore, detailed preparations through simulation exercises are continuously conducted. This is to prevent chemical spill incidents and ensure swift action can be taken," he said at a press conference today. -- BERNAMA
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Clearer skies for Malaysia as DOE reports improved air quality nationwide
ISKANDAR PUTERI, July 23 — Air quality across Malaysia has improved, with no locations reporting unhealthy levels on the Air Pollutant Index (API) as of this morning, according to the Department of Environment. Its director-general, Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, said that at 9am, 66 out of 68 air quality monitoring stations recorded 'moderate' air quality, while the remaining two recorded 'good' readings. 'Based on these readings, no stations have recorded any unhealthy air quality,' he told reporters. 'This improvement is a positive development amid concerns over recurring haze and dry weather in parts of the country and the region.' Wan Abdul Latiff was speaking after the conclusion of the 14th emergency simulation exercise under the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) at the Second Link crossing here today. Despite the overall positive readings, Wan Abdul Latiff said the DOE has detected several hotspots in Sabah, Sarawak, and Pahang. He said the department will closely observe these hotspots through 24-hour monitoring to ensure early detection and intervention. 'DOE personnel will increase their patrols, especially in high-risk areas such as plantations, peatlands, secondary forests, and landfill sites,' he said. He also issued a stern warning that the DOE will not hesitate to take action under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 against any individuals or parties who conduct open burning, which he identified as a main contributor to haze in the country. Malaysia has been experiencing increased air pollution recently, with nine areas in the country reporting unhealthy levels on Monday. Under the API system, readings of 0-50 are categorised as 'good,' 51-100 as 'moderate,' 101-200 as 'unhealthy,' 201-300 as 'very unhealthy,' and any reading above 300 is considered 'hazardous.'
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Malaysia and Singapore boost cross-border safety with successful chemical spill drill
ISKANDAR PUTERI, July 23 — Malaysia and Singapore today tested their joint emergency response plan with a cross-border chemical spill simulation at the Second Link, where over 150,000 tonnes of hazardous chemicals are transported annually. The drill was designed to test the effectiveness of the Joint Emergency Response Plan (JERP) under the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) in handling unforeseen incidents on the crucial crossing. Department of Environment (DOE) director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the exercise aims to increase the level of preparedness and coordination between the two countries when dealing with hazardous chemical spills. 'We are confident that the commitment and close cooperation between the agencies from both countries will continue to be strengthened,' he told reporters after the conclusion of the 14th Chemical Emergency Response Exercise. The exercise was jointly conducted by Malaysia's DOE and Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA). Wan Abdul Latiff explained that the JERP, which was gazetted on July 7, involves 15 related agencies from both nations and enables a more efficient and comprehensive response. Also present was NEA chief executive officer Wong Kang Jet, who said the success of the simulation demonstrated the strong bilateral commitment between Malaysia and Singapore. 'This year, MSJCE included new elements in the exercise with different chemicals and response approaches,' Wong said. 'This is to ensure that we remain well-prepared and well-equipped to deal with constantly evolving chemical incidents.' The biennial exercise simulated a multi-vehicle accident on the Second Link that led to the release of two highly hazardous chemical substances.
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Chemical spill drill on Second Link tests Malaysia-Singapore readiness
ISKANDAR PUTERI: With more than 150,000 tonnes of hazardous chemicals transported across Malaysia and Singapore through the Second Link each year, both countries tested their emergency preparedness with a large-scale chemical spill simulation on the bridge, aimed at strengthening cross-border response capabilities and protecting public safety. The 14th Chemical Emergency Response Exercise, conducted by Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) and Malaysia's Department of Environment (DOE), involved 15 agencies and companies from both nations. The biennial exercise is part of ongoing efforts under the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) to test and refine a coordinated response to potential hazardous chemical incidents on the bridge. This year's exercise simulated a multi-vehicle accident on the Second Link that led to the release of two dangerous substances. According to the scenario, a truck transporting drums of concentrated sodium hydroxide lost control and collided with an ISO tanker carrying anhydrous ammonia from Singapore to the Pasir Gudang Industrial Area. A car then crashed into the wreckage, worsening the situation. The impact caused two drums of sodium hydroxide to fall and spill, while a puncture in the tanker led to the release of about 400kg of ammonia gas into the surrounding area. Emergency responders had to rescue 'injured' drivers suffering from chemical exposure and a passenger trapped inside the car. DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the exercise reflected the high level of preparedness and collaboration between agencies of both countries. 'I believe in the strong commitment between agencies to ensure the success of this initiative. This cooperation not only showcases our readiness to respond to unforeseen incidents but also highlights the strategic role of inter-agency collaboration,' he said after the exercise held here on Wednesday (July 23). Wan Abdul Latiff added that within Malaysia, the DOE has strengthened coordination by delegating authority to 13 enforcement agencies under a gazette issued on July 7 this year. 'The move aims to improve the efficiency of emergency response and regulatory enforcement while upholding public confidence,' he said. Meanwhile, NEA chief executive officer Wong Kang Jet said the success of the exercise was a testament to the strong bilateral ties between Singapore and Malaysia. 'Singapore and Malaysia continue to strengthen our cooperation through exercises such as the MSJCE chemical spill response. 'Both countries included new elements, such as different chemicals and response approaches, to ensure we remain well-prepared and well-resourced in dealing with evolving chemical incidents,' he said. The Second Link, officially opened in 1998, is the only designated route for transporting hazardous chemicals between Malaysia and Singapore. The restriction ensures that vehicles carrying such substances do not pass through congested urban areas like Johor Baru and Woodlands. Common hazardous materials transported along the route include sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide. To manage the risks, the NEA and DOE have developed a Joint Emergency Response Plan (ERP) under the MSJCE. The plan includes early notification procedures and coordinated response protocols to control and contain chemical releases in the event of an accident. Regular joint drills are held to familiarise emergency responders with the ERP, strengthen communication lines, and test the interoperability of response systems on both sides of the border. Authorities said that the exercise served not only to enhance operational readiness but also to raise public awareness about safety protocols related to hazardous materials transport. 'This is about more than just agencies being ready but it is about making sure the public is protected, and that we have the tools, knowledge, and coordination in place to act swiftly if something goes wrong,' said a joint statement from the organising agencies. The next joint emergency drill is scheduled for 2027.
