Kuala lumpur: The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) will strengthen its disaster response capabilities with the acquisition of new assets, including an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV), and two Light Rescue Tenders.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, SMART commander PgKB I Abdul Manaf Che Isa stated that the acquisition is part of the initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), alongside the development of a water rescue simulation site, which will be one of the country's first training facilities of its kind. "Apart from the capabilities and expertise of our personnel and existing resources, we still need modern equipment that can perform tasks beyond human capabilities. These RIVs and UGVs can be deployed in various conditions, including areas affected by structural collapses, landslides, and floods," he told Bernama recently.
Abdul Manaf revealed that SMART plans to acquire three RIVs and one UGV, with delivery anticipated this year. The remotely operated UGV is designed for deployment in high-risk and hard-to-access areas, enhancing the team's existing capabilities and expertise.
SMART is also set to receive two Light Rescue Tenders in October, intended for both domestic and international operations, equipped with Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) equipment. The machinery will include cutting and punching tools, while the team will also employ movement sensors, drones, and mapping and modeling capabilities in their operations.
Abdul Manaf emphasized the necessity of asset modernization in line with technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), to assist the team with observation, mapping, and modeling during incidents or disasters. He noted that technological capabilities are crucial when the team is deployed to disaster-stricken countries where telecommunications and electricity may be compromised.
As a Heavy USAR team, SMART aims to be self-sufficient in its operations, providing its own logistics, communications, and food supplies, and establishing an operational base without relying on the affected country. Additionally, SMART's long-term plans focus on enhancing personnel competency through the development of a water rescue simulation site under the 13MP, overseen by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
The facility, which is expected to be more than 15 meters deep and equipped with a rapid current simulator, will be used for diving, swimming, and Swift Water Rescue training. Abdul Manaf highlighted that this highly anticipated facility would not only enhance SMART personnel competency but also serve as a center of excellence for Malaysia. The development of the facility is expected to commence next year, featuring a specially designed simulator to recreate real-life water rescue scenarios for training purposes, making it one of the first of its kind in Malaysia.