KOTA KINABALU – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia), through the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Kota Kinabalu, has successfully conducted the Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) Ex Limbawan 2026.
The large-scale drill, held on 9 July, was organised in collaboration with PETRONAS and PTTEP Malaysia Asset to strengthen national preparedness for maritime disasters.
This exercise marked the first Maritime Mass Rescue Operation (MMRO) conducted in Sabah, bringing together 200 participants from 31 agencies.
Federal and state government bodies, industry partners, and enforcement agencies joined forces to test coordination and operational readiness in the event of a major maritime emergency.
The exercise was staged across multiple locations: Le Meridien Hotel Kota Kinabalu served as the Coordination Centre, Sepanggar Maritime Jetty functioned as the CARILAMAT Operations Base, and the waters off Kota Kinabalu provided the simulation site.
The scenario involved a simulated incident at the Kikeh Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit.
During routine operations, an Accommodation Work Barge (AWB) suffered thruster failure while transferring crew using a Personnel Transfer Basket (PTB).
The AWB subsequently collided with the FPSO, triggering a mass rescue situation involving 382 crew members.
To test response capabilities, 19 sea and land assets were deployed. These included vessels and equipment from Maritim Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Malaysian Fisheries Department.
Industry partners PETRONAS and PTTEP also contributed resources. KM Lahad Datu acted as the On-Scene Coordinator to ensure integrated and effective rescue operations.
Maritime First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar bin Abd Majid @ Razali, Sabah and Labuan Federal Territory Maritime Director, explained that the exercise was designed to test the effectiveness of the MMRO Plan 2022, CARILAMAT Standard Operating Procedures, and OMSAR guidelines for offshore search and rescue.
He emphasised that the drill provided a platform to strengthen communication, coordination, and cooperation among agencies.
“Exercises like this are very important to ensure that each agency is always prepared, understands their respective roles and is able to act quickly, efficiently and in an integrated manner in the event of an actual incident at sea. The experience and improvements gained throughout this exercise will continue to be utilised to strengthen the country’s search and rescue operations capabilities,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to all 31 agencies involved, noting that their commitment and cooperation ensured the success of SAREX Ex Limbawan 2026.
The exercise demonstrated Malaysia’s readiness to respond to maritime disasters, reinforcing national resilience in safeguarding lives at sea.
Observers highlighted that such exercises are vital for testing asset capabilities, personnel competencies, and inter-agency collaboration.
With Malaysia’s waters hosting significant shipping and offshore oil activities, preparedness for large-scale emergencies remains a national priority.
SAREX Ex Limbawan 2026 stands as a landmark exercise in Sabah, setting a precedent for future drills and reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to maritime safety and disaster response.
