Kuala Lumpur: The two-day Ex Kurung terror crisis management and handling exercise, which commenced yesterday, has been deemed successful in achieving its objectives and targets, said SAC Hamzah Hashim, Commander of the 69 Commando Unit of the Special Operations Force (PGK).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hamzah stated that exercises such as Ex Kurung play a crucial role in simulating real-world scenarios, showcasing the 69 Commando’s preparedness and strategies in countering terrorist threats and attacks. He emphasized that the exercise also serves to educate and enhance public understanding of the 69 Commando Unit’s role in handling terrorist threats.

Hamzah concluded that the two-day Ex Kurung exercise has successfully achieved its objectives, describing it as more than just exposure for the team of fighters. The exercise, held at Ungku Omar Polytechnic (PUO), involved various simulated scenarios, including a reported terrorist incident, shooting, and student hostage situation, which had initially sparked public panic and went viral on social media. However, it was later clarified to be a crisis management and response exercise.

He further mentioned that the students who participated as hostages could use the experience as a valuable case study relevant to their fields of study. The exercise also permitted the team to identify areas for improvement to ensure full compliance with standard operating procedures, particularly in real-life crisis situations.

Hamzah welcomed all feedback on Ex Kurung, stating that the exercise is part of ongoing training to maintain the team’s highest level of readiness. He stressed the importance of stabilizing situations and preventing public panic in real terrorist attacks, where time and circumstances are unpredictable.

He also expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by the Ministry of Health, the PUO media management, and several other agencies, in ensuring that Ex Kurung was carried out according to the planned framework. The exercise involved over 200 participants, including personnel from the 69 Commando Unit, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Ministry of Health, the media, and the PUO management. The simulation featured a staged terrorist attack, ‘hostages’ taken among students and lecturers, and concluded with a tactical ‘assault’ on the terrorists, followed by a hostage rescue operation.