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The
transport industry is one of the
critical sectors that is extremely
vulnerable to crisis or disasters
that can have wide and far-reaching
ramifications for the sector and the
economy. September 11, 2001
terrorist attack on the United
States brought into sharp focus the
magnitude of tragedy when disaster
strikes in the most unexpected and
in an unimaginable manner said the
Deputy Transport Minister, Tan Sri
Datuk Seri DiRaja Ramli Ngah Talib.
Presenting
the keynote address at the opening
of “When Worlds Collide!” crisis
management conference in Kuala
Lumpur, the Deputy Minister said the
timing and the purpose of the
seminar/workshop was appropriate in
the light of the recent heightened
awareness of man-made disasters and
catastrophes. Hijacks, airline
crashes, rail and road accidents,
marine environment pollution, ship
collusion, fires and explosions at
port terminals and airports are some
of the stark reminders of the
calamities and catastrophes that may
afflict the transport industry in
varying degree and intensity. The
work environment at transport
facilities is also very vulnerable
to accidents because of the
inter-action of man and machines as
well as due to a wide variety of
hazardous materials handled.
Tan
Sri Ramli said the extent of safety,
security and surveillance measures
adopted will go a long way to
mitigate, reduce or lower the risks
and the effects of a disaster. But
accidents do happen. The reason for
this is simple - most accidents and
disasters are caused by human error,
or created even intentionally or
willfully by individuals or
organizations.
“But
what is important is that when
accidents or disasters do happen,
one must be prepared to cope with
it. The state of preparedness to
face, cope and respond to a
particular crisis could be crucial
in determining the scale of loss of
lives, property and confidence,”
said the Deputy Minister of
Transport in the two day conference
organized by Ports World Sdn Bhd and
Jude Benny Consultants Sdn Bhd.
As
operators of public facilities such
as airports, ports, railways, roads
or related facilities there is
indeed a very high duty to care for
the users of these facilities and
the general public. As a
general rule, there is a need to
adopt and observe a strict regime of
safety culture.
The
Minister also highlighted the
importance of dissemination of
information. Dissemination about the
crisis affecting such facilities
should not only be swift but must be
reliable and come from an
authoritative source. Information
delayed only fans rumours which once
it begins will be extremely
difficult to stop or deny without
losing credibility and integrity.
“No
doubt organizations adopt standard
operating procedures to cope or deal
with crisis but more often than not
it may prove difficult to apply
these for a number of reasons,
including of course one had not
actually faced such a crisis.
Simulation exercises may thus be
necessary, not unlike fire drills
that are mandated for certain
category of buildings. Management of
the media is an important aspect of
crisis management and legal issues
to ensure a wider understanding of
the whole event for the benefit of
the participants.”
The
Deputy Minister added that the chief
executives of companies or
organizations as well as public
affair managers and legal officers
must be well exposed to crisis
management practices. It is also
important that crisis management
units are set up in organizations
which must meet regularly and update
developments in crisis management
practices.
“It
is not enough that these units meet
regularly but they must also
initiate appropriate changes in
crisis management from time to time,
in tandem with the changing
environment and structural
transformation of the economy. In
this regard too, the adequacy of
rules and regulations must be
reviewed with a view to keeping
abreast with developments worldwide,
including on aspects relating to
safety and standards,” he said.
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