The Macau Heliport conducted a security drill early this morning to simulate the scenario of a bomb threat. The heliport immediately activated the emergency plan to handle the crisis. The suspected object was eventually defined not a genuine bomb.
The drill began at 23:30 on 09 January simulating the scenario of a bomb threat at the Macau Heliport of the Outer Harbour. The heliport staff received a phone call claiming that a bomb had been placed in the heliport. After conducting an assessment of the situation, the heliport activated the emergency plan and immediately informed all relevant government bodies. The heliport staff found a suspected object in the staircase area. The Heliport Command Centre was activated and the duty manager initiated evacuation of all passengers and staff. The explosive disposal team of the Public Security Forces examined the suspected object and eventually defined that it was not a genuine bomb. The police cordon was then removed. The incident did not cause any injury. The exercise was concluded at 01:00 on 10 January.
Coordinated by East Asia Airlines, the helicopter service operator, the exercise was carried out with the participation of the Unitary Police Force, the Macao Customs, the Public Security Forces, the Judiciary Police, the Fire Services, the Maritime and Water Bureau, and the Civil Aviation Authority. About 100 people took part in the drill which was deemed smooth.