PUTRAJAYA: Continued investment in the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) is necessary to ensure it remains equipped with the latest search and rescue technology and equipment, says Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim.
The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general hopes the budget allocation request submitted through Budget 2027 will be approved to further improve SMART.
“Budget allocation requests are made annually through the budget screening process, specifically to ensure the national special forces always have the best capabilities and equipment.
“Every year when there is a budget screening, we do apply. I hope we get approval and next year we can make the purchase with the latest models,” he told reporters after the closing ceremony to celebrate SMART’s success in maintaining its recognition as a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (Heavy USAR) team by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (Insarag) yesterday, Bernama reported.
Meor Ismail said the technology and equipment used in SAR operations are constantly changing, therefore SMART needs to keep pace with these developments.
Taking the example of drone usage and cutting equipment, he said the technology for these tools is constantly changing and requires the team to continuously enhance their capabilities.
“Sometimes drones are already there, always changing. Similarly, the equipment is always changing. Sometimes we need to advance. For me, SMART is a special team, unique in the country. So the equipment has to be the best,” he said.
Meor Ismail added that ensuring the membership, individual expertise and SMART equipment are always up to date is also important to maintain the team’s international recognition.
Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 9.
Earlier, Meor Ismail said in a speech that Malaysia will continue to invest in USAR capabilities, including improving equipment, training and inter-agency coordination to ensure the country is not only ready to protect its citizens but also able to assist neighbouring countries and international partners when needed.
“Reclassification is not the end. It is a new commitment to humanity. Malaysia will continue to invest in our urban search and rescue capabilities. We will continue to improve our equipment, training and coordination between agencies,” he said.
He also said Malaysia remained committed to strengthening its disaster response capability and maintaining readiness to support international disaster response.
