Latest news with #SpecialMalaysiaDisasterAssistanceandRescueTeam
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
DPM Zahid hails Smart's three decades of service
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has praised the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) for its outstanding service over the past 30 years, noting its role in enhancing Malaysia's reputation on the global stage. He said Smart has contributed to the safety of people in Malaysia and overseas through its participation in search and rescue operations as well as humanitarian missions. "From post-earthquake rescue missions in Türkiye and Nepal, to humanitarian operations during the tsunami tragedy in Aceh, and involvement in major flood relief work in Selangor, Pahang and Kelantan — Smart has always stood at the nation's frontlines in the most critical moments," he said. Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said this in a Facebook post in conjunction with Smart's 30th anniversary celebration today. He said Smart's achievements are even more commendable as it became the first team in Southeast Asia to attain the "Heavy" classification for urban search and rescue (USAR) operations from the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), thereby strengthening Malaysia's standing in the international rescue network. He said Smart has earned the trust of Russia to serve as a mentor to its search and rescue team, RUS-03, in preparation for INSARAG evaluation. "I am impressed by the team's dedication, discipline and continuous adaptation of advanced technology. "Smart is now more than just an elite team; it is an institution that is recognised and respected. "May the Smart team continue to progress, remain ever ready to face future challenges and uphold its steadfast presence at the frontlines of any disaster. "Thank you, and congratulations on three decades of excellence for the people and the nation," he said. — BERNAMA
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Ahmad Zahid praises SMART's 30 years of disaster rescue excellence
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has lauded the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) for its three decades of exemplary service, highlighting its role in elevating Malaysia's global humanitarian standing. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, acknowledged SMART's contributions in domestic and international crises. 'From earthquake rescues in Türkiye and Nepal to tsunami relief in Aceh and flood operations in Selangor, Pahang, and Kelantan, SMART has been our frontline shield during disasters,' he said in a Facebook post marking the team's 30th anniversary. He emphasised SMART's milestone as Southeast Asia's first team to achieve the 'Heavy' classification for urban search and rescue (USAR) under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). 'This recognition cements Malaysia's credibility in global rescue networks,' he added. The Deputy PM also revealed SMART's advisory role for Russia's RUS-03 team ahead of INSARAG evaluation. 'Their discipline, tech adaptation, and elite reputation make SMART more than a team—it's a respected institution,' he noted. Concluding his tribute, Ahmad Zahid expressed hopes for SMART's continued readiness against future challenges: 'May you uphold your legacy as the nation's disaster frontline. Congratulations on 30 years of service to Malaysia and the world.' - Bernama
The Star
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia and Brunei boost disaster and security cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Brunei continue to strengthen their commitment to expanding regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and cross-border security, in addition to enhancing the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In a Facebook post yesterday, Ahmad Zahid said the commitment was expressed during a bilateral meeting with Brunei's Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Setia Awang Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman, on the sidelines of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. He expressed appreciation for Brunei's readiness to continue joint training between the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) and Brunei's National Disaster Management Centre, including knowledge transfer programmes and training based on best practices. 'We also agreed to intensify joint exercises and field training, including rescue operations and emergency simulations, which were recently conducted. 'These trainings not only foster trust between agencies but are also essential in coordinating operating procedures in the event of cross-border disasters,' he said in a Bernama report based on the Facebook post. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Brunei had proven that close neighbourly ties, combined with strong commitment, could build more robust regional cooperation in disaster and security matters.
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia, Brunei boost disaster, security cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Brunei continue to strengthen their commitment to expanding regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and cross-border security, in addition to enhancing the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In a Facebook post today, Ahmad Zahid said the commitment was expressed during a bilateral meeting with Brunei's Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Setia Awang Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman, on the sidelines of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 in Geneva. He expressed appreciation for Brunei's readiness to continue joint training between the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) and Brunei's National Disaster Management Centre, including knowledge transfer programmes and training based on best practices. 'We also agreed to intensify joint exercises and field training, including rescue operations and emergency simulations, which were recently conducted. 'These trainings not only foster trust between agencies but are also essential in coordinating operating procedures in the event of cross-border disasters,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said Malaysia and Brunei had proven that close neighbourly ties, combined with strong commitment, could build more robust regional cooperation in disaster and security matters. He gave his assurance that the synergy would continue to be strengthened in the interest of the safety and well-being of the people in both countries.
The Star
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia, Brunei boost disaster, security cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Brunei continue to strengthen their commitment to expanding regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and cross-border security, in addition to enhancing the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In a Facebook post on Friday (June 6), Ahmad Zahid said the commitment was expressed during a bilateral meeting with Brunei's Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Setia Awang Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman, on the sidelines of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 in Geneva. He expressed appreciation for Brunei's readiness to continue joint training between the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) and Brunei's National Disaster Management Centre, including knowledge transfer programmes and training based on best practices. "We also agreed to intensify joint exercises and field training, including rescue operations and emergency simulations, which were recently conducted. "These trainings not only foster trust between agencies but are also essential in coordinating operating procedures in the event of cross-border disasters,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said Malaysia and Brunei had proven that close neighbourly ties, combined with strong commitment, could build more robust regional cooperation in disaster and security matters. He gave his assurance that the synergy would continue to be strengthened in the interest of the safety and well-being of the people in both countries. - Bernama
