TH, MAB STRENGTHEN AIR DISASTER MANAGEMENT COOPERATION FOR HAJJ SEASON

SEPANG, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) and Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration on air disaster management during the hajj season, particularly for hajj operations in 2025 and beyond.

The agreement aims to strengthen the preparedness of both parties in responding to any form of aviation disaster, especially those involving hajj flights.

TH Group managing director and chief executive officer Syed Hamadah Syed Othman explained that, although a disaster management plan existed previously, it did not specifically outline the procedures for handling disasters during hajj operations.

"Airlines already have comprehensive disaster management plans for commercial flight operations, but until now, these plans were not tailored to hajj operations. TH and MAB are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims throughout the hajj season, especially for the 2025 hajj operations and beyond," he said.

"By combining the existing expertise and experience of both TH and MAB, this disaster response plan will enhance the preparedness and resilience of hajj operations, especially in the face of potential air disasters," he added, during the MoU signing ceremony between TH and MAB today.

The memorandum was signed by Syed Hamadah, while MAB was represented by its chief executive officer of Airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi.

Ahmad Luqman emphasised MAB's commitment to ensuring that all air disaster management procedures are fully integrated into hajj operations, prioritising the safety and comfort of pilgrims throughout their journey, including during flights and in the holy land.

“The primary goal of this collaboration is to establish a more comprehensive disaster response plan, covering both flights and unforeseen circumstances, including situations where pilgrims are in the holy land or travelling to and from Makkah,” he explained.

“For instance, flights to Saudi Arabia may need to be diverted to non-hajj destinations (emergency flights). The procedures outlined in the MoU will ensure that the safety of pilgrims remains a top priority, preventing any unforeseen events,” he added.

As part of the preparations, training sessions, involving personnel from TH and MAB, have already begun and will continue through to the 2025 hajj season.

In addition to emergency response training, the programme also includes counselling to address emotional and psychological concerns which may arise among pilgrims, during a disaster or crisis.

-- BERNAMA