SIBU: People were surprisingly shocked over the presence of thick smoke from the Shell gas station in Jalan Sungai Maaw at around 8.42 this morning (Nov 7), as they thought there was a fire breakout.
However, the incident was just an emergency drill conducted by the management of Sri Minyak Group in collaboration with Sungai Merah Sibu Fire Station, Sungai Merah Police Station, Sibu Hospital, Civil Defence Force (APM) Sibu and other agencies.
Datuk William Tiu (third from left) hands over a souvenir to a shell representative.
This emergency exercise is conducted to increase the preparedness of Shell gas station staff in the face of future accidents and disasters.
The exercise encompassed two simulations of emergency scenarios at gas station, which is a fire on a vehicle while refueling and an accident involving a tanker truck fuel with a vehicle.
According to Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Chief Abdul Mutalif Ja’afar, Shell staff involved in this exercise underwent a three-day emergency course at the Sungai Merah Fire Station.
“They have all been taught how to deal with emergency situations such as using fire extinguishers, evacuation of victims while waiting for help to arrive,” he said.
Standing first row, fourth from left, Datuk William Tiu with the participants in the group photo session.
Regarding the emergency simulation exercise, Mutalif said that a total of five victims were successfully rescued including two civilians.
He said the rescue and firefighting operation involved 12 firemen, five APM members and four Sibu Hospital staff.
Also involved were seven police personnel to ensure public safety and control traffic.
The operation ended around 9.25 am.
Among those present at the emergency simulation exercise was Sri Minyak Group Chairman Datuk William Tiu and his wife Datin Siew Kim Geok as well as Sri Minyak Group General Manager Amelia Tiu.
