Nadma is also evaluating SMART's manpower and equipment needs to ensure that the team is well prepared to tackle any disaster, says Khairul Shahril. – BERNAMApic
PUTRAJAYA: The simulation site for the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) in Pulau Meranti near here is being upgraded with several search and rescue (SAR) training modules.
National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said upon completion of the upgrading work, scheduled for October, the simulation site will feature among others rescue modules involving subway operations, cable cars, fully and partially collapsed buildings, tilting buildings and multiple collapsed buildings.
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It will also have an abseiling tower for rappelling training, he said when interviewed here recently.
The upgrading work is being carried out under the 12th Malaysia Plan by the Public Works Department (JKR) following a United Nations-based module at a cost of about RM60mil and is currently 70% done, he added.
At the moment, the site has basic simulations for operations in collapsed buildings.
"The upgraded site will not only hone the expertise of SMART members in various disaster and emergency situations but also maintain their status as a world-class rescue team," Khairul Shahril said.
He said the upgraded site will also enable SMART to maintain its recognition by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (Insarag), a UN body that coordinates rescue network in cross-border disaster situations.
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Khairul Shahril said the plan for the site is to add more modules for rescue operations in other scenarios such as plane crashes.
He said once the site is upgraded, it could even serve as a SAR training centre for Asean and even beyond the region.
According to him, several countries including Indonesia, Brunei and Turkiye are also interested in SMART's expertise and have applied to conduct joint training.
Khairul Shahrl also said Nadma plans to re-evaluate SMART's strength and its relevance to current developments and disaster situations, besides ensuring that the team is equipped with the latest technology and equipment.
SMART, established in 1994, comprises officers and members of three uniformed groups namely the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police and the Fire and Rescue Department.
Its current strength is about 150. – Bernama
