Recognition for Malaysia's SMART, SAR and medical teams is much deserved

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement that he will hold discussions with the Treasury over a proposed special allowance for the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) involved in the search and rescue (SAR) efforts for earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria, according to their period of service is reasonable. This award is recognition of the professionalism, tireless determination and how indispensable SAR workers are when natural catastrophes strike and should be supported by all Malaysians. Additionally, the Prime Minister also suggested they also be given certificates of appreciation and special service medals for their sacrifice and commitment.

The SAR crew placed their own lives at risk amidst unpredictable elements in daunting circumstances. From Malaysia's tropical climate to first time conducting rescue operations in sub-zero temperatures, be it in knee-deep mud and water-inundated terrain, to debris, rubble and wreckage, or cutting through concrete and wires, SAR personnel have never complained but remained focused on locating and retrieving survivors or victims who perished, or to treat the wounded and injured or deliver emergency first aid to save lives.

From Batang Kali, Selangor, to Nurdagi and Adiyaman in southern Turkiye and now to northern Syria, SMART personnel have time and time again proven their colour-blind work ethic. They persevere with spirited resolve in their humanitarian mission, setting up a field hospital and more – regardless of race, religion, gender, class or citizenship.

We urge Malaysians to acknowledge the presence and efficiency of Malaysia's emergency response and relief workers who are often taken for granted or not even thought of when no major disaster makes it to the news. Yet, they are our frontliners for floods, landslides, fires and even for simple mishaps such as a cat stuck on a tree or when danger might abound, snakes for example.

Malaysia's SAR team at ground zero consists of personnel from SMART, the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, the Armed Forces medical corps and two tracker dogs.

Frankie and Denti and all tracker dogs

Meanwhile, in both the landslide and earthquake tragedies, the K9 squad have proven how instrumental our four-legged friends are in detecting signs of life or the remains of people. In this regard, we urge the public not to abuse animals, dogs included.

It was only recently that Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin expressed sadness and disappointment following photos and videos of abandoned dogs neglected and emaciated at a dog shelter managed by Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MDKL).

Hence, do not give dogs a dog's life, but remember that pooches wag their tails from their heart. Especially now, in times of major disaster, canines certainly live up to the adage that dogs are a man's best friend.

SAW YEE FUNG

MCA spokesperson