Singapore, Malaysia test readiness with cross-border drill

The simulated drill involved a mock multi-vehicle accident and chemical spill.

Authorities from Singapore and Malaysia carried out a joint emergency response exercise on Tuesday morning to test preparedness for cross-border chemical incidents.

The simulated drill, held at the Tuas Second Link, involved a mock multi-vehicle accident and chemical spill, and was conducted as part of ongoing cooperation under the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE).

In a joint news release, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) and Malaysia’s Department of Environment (DOE) said this was the 14th chemical emergency response exercise organized by both countries since the Tuas Second Link opened in 1998.

Around 500 personnel from 15 agencies and companies participated in the exercise.

The scenario simulated a collision involving a truck carrying concentrated sodium hydroxide, an ISO tanker transporting anhydrous ammonia, and a car.

The impact caused a mock release of approximately 400 kilograms of ammonia gas and a spill of sodium hydroxide. Injuries were simulated, with actors displaying symptoms of chemical exposure such as coughing and eye irritation.

Under MSJCE protocols, the transportation of hazardous chemicals between Singapore and Malaysia is restricted to the Tuas Second Link to reduce risk to populated areas. Commonly transported chemicals include sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.