MELAKA: Melaka has carried out its first simulated tourist boat accident in preparation for possible emergencies during Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM 2024).

       Melaka River and Beach Development Corporation (PPSPM) CEO Datuk Murad Husin said the drill was to gauge the preparedness of its Emergency Response Team.

       "We have a specialised rescue team with nine members who possess international certification on life-saving procedures," he said after witnessing the drill organised by PPSPM and Putra Specialist Hospital (PSHMB) on Wednesday (July 26).

       PSHMB was represented by Datuk Dr Malek Feisal Ayub.

       Murad said the rescue team would also work on situations where people fall into rivers while walking along its banks.

       "There was one case of a disabled man who drowned in the river earlier this year, hence it's a crucial component of emergency response readiness to also cover these situations," he said.

       Murad said the drill is also to enhance the efficiency of coordination between various rescue agencies to get people out of the water quickly.

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       During the drill, 43 rescue personnel from various departments, including Melaka Hospital, were given a challenge to rescue victims after the simulated collision between a Melaka River Cruise boat and another river maintenance craft.

       In the exercise, rescuers were tasked to save injured tourists trapped in the boat and those who fell into the river as well as managing a drowned victim from the collision.