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MALAYSIA is set to significantly expand its international disaster management partnerships, with new agreements in the pipeline involving Japan, Russia, and South Korea.
This initiative aims to bolster the capabilities of the country’s elite Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), reinforcing its position as a global leader in search and rescue (SAR) operations.
National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) Director-General Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, revealed that negotiations are well underway for memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with these nations, with the aim of finalising the agreements later this year.
“We have already completed discussions on the MoU with Japan, while talks with Russia and South Korea are in the final stages. However, the ultimate decision will depend on Cabinet approval, as it must align with Malaysia’s national interests,” Khairul Shahril said in a recent interview with Bernama.
This move follows Malaysia’s successful MoUs with several other countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Türkiye, which acknowledge the international recognition of SMART’s expertise, particularly in SAR operations.
“These MoUs are not just formalising operational collaboration; they are also a recognition of SMART’s capabilities, with other nations eager to learn from our experience,” he added.
The partnerships are aimed at strengthening strategic relations while improving SAR effectiveness through joint training with elite foreign rescue teams.
To ensure that SMART continues to meet global standards, the government is considering expanding the team’s personnel, particularly following the experience gained during SAR operations in the aftermath of the devastating Gaziantep earthquake in Türkiye in February 2023.
Currently, SMART’s team is composed of two units, totalling 160 personnel, in line with international standards set by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
The team draws members from various sectors, including the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
However, Khairul Shahril pointed out that personnel typically return to their original departments once their service with SMART concludes. Discussions are ongoing with the Public Service Department (PSD) to explore options for retaining their specialised skills within the team.
“We are also exploring ways for former SMART members to continue their participation in training, even after they return to their original departments. This would enable us to mobilise them for operations whenever needed,” he said.
On a regional level, SMART has taken part in simulation drills organised by the ASEAN Secretariat and has received requests from neighbouring countries such as Brunei, Thailand, and Indonesia to act as advisers as they work towards obtaining INSARAG certification.
In addition to regional cooperation, SMART has been invited to serve as a consultant at various international SAR conferences, further cementing its status as a world-class rescue team.
“SMART is the second team in Southeast Asia to be recognised by INSARAG, following Singapore. The team’s growing influence as a global benchmark for SAR operations elevates Malaysia’s international profile,” Khairul Shahril stated.
“The eagerness of other nations, including developed economies, to collaborate with us on training speaks to SMART’s global reputation and, by extension, enhances Malaysia’s stature on the world stage,” he added. - April 5, 2025