A viral social media post claiming that a plane had crashed at Melaka Airport on Thursday morning caused alarm among the public, but authorities have confirmed that the incident was only a simulation conducted as part of a large-scale emergency exercise.
The scenario was part of Exercise Laksamana 2026, an aviation disaster drill organised at Melaka Airport to test the readiness of rescue and emergency agencies in responding to an aircraft accident.
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations Mohd Shahrom Laji said the exercise is a requirement under the Civil Aviation Regulations (Aerodrome Operations) 2016 and aviation safety guidelines.
The drill was conducted in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB), Melaka Airport and various ministries, departments and emergency response agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of the Aerodrome Emergency Plan.
“The exercise is aimed at ensuring all emergency response agencies are able to react quickly, efficiently and in a coordinated manner according to their respective roles and responsibilities should a real aviation disaster occur,” he told reporters on Thursday.
Mohd Shahrom said preparations began on 21 July with a Tabletop Exercise (TTX), during which participating agencies reviewed operational procedures, individual responsibilities and coordination mechanisms before moving on to the field simulation.
The main event, known as the Full Scale Exercise (FSX), was held from 10am to 12pm on Thursday, simulating a full aircraft crash emergency.
To support the exercise, the Ayer Keroh Fire and Rescue Station deployed three key assets: a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT), a Compact Fire Rescue Tender (CFRT) and a Water Tanker.
The equipment was used to test aircraft firefighting capabilities, operational area protection, continuous water supply, as well as victim rescue and extraction procedures.
“The exercise also evaluates communication, command coordination, resource management and information sharing among all participating agencies,” Mohd Shahrom said.
Among the agencies involved were Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB), the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (BSKU), the National Security Council (MKN), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), Melaka Hospital, and several other technical and support agencies.
