AN EMERGENCY drill staged in response to a simulated anthrax scare at the Old Airport’s Mail Processing Centre, yesterday has sparked a review of the standard operating procedures (SOP) of the government agencies involved.
Speaking to the media after the exercise, Ministry of Communications Deputy Permanent Secretary Hj Mahmud Hj Mohd Daud said that there was room for improvement.
The Hazmat team collecting samples and cleaning the contaminated site during the drill. Picture: BT/Saifulizam
“Keep in mind that today was just a drill. We will improve on the things we have learned,” he said. “Trying to improve the response time” would be one of them, he added.
At the suggestion of an early detection system, the deputy permanent secretary said that at this point in time “it is something which needs to be discussed further.”
Acting Postmaster-general Hj Mohd Manan Hj Lakim said that the drill showcased the cooperation between the agencies.
“They all gave their best efforts for the drill. Fire and Rescue, Police and Health (officials) all tried hard to ensure the drill’s success,” he said. “I really appreciate it. We’ve been planning to hold it for a while, but it has been postponed several times.”
Hj Mohd Manan stressed the importance of staging such rehearsals. “We have to be ready to address such challenges.”
He explained that Brunei Post had experienced three such scares in the past. “All three were false alarms: two here (at the Mail Processing Centre in Berakas) and one in Tutong.”
The Tutong incident, he said, highlighted the inherent challenge in detecting a substance like anthrax.
He added that hazardous materials such as anthrax may be in sealed envelopes or parcels, but unless they are accidentally opened, authorities will not know until it reaches its intended recipient or is accidentally opened. However, staff are provided with guidelines and trained in the appropriate action to take.
He said that the agencies involved in yesterday’s drill intend to stage another emergency response simulation, and anticipates a drill each year.
The Brunei Times
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