Subang: Members of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) are taking part in search and rescue (SAR) operations in Myanmar, displaying high motivation and determination despite being away from their families during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PBK I Mohd Idris Hassan, one of the SMART members, emphasized the prioritization of duty, even if it means missing celebrations with family and friends in his hometown. He recounted how he was preparing to return home to Tanah Merah, Kelantan, when he received the call of duty. Within an hour of receiving the instruction, he was at the SMART headquarters, ready to depart for Myanmar. This mission was especially significant for him as he had previously declined a mission to Turkiye in 2023 due to his wife’s illness. However, this time, he felt compelled to assist those in need, with the understanding and support of his wife.
PBK II Nik Mohd Farihan Nik Zawawi, 38, is experiencing his first overseas SAR mission since joining SMART four years ago. He explained that the mission takes precedence as rescuing disaster victims is a fundamental responsibility for rescue personnel. He expressed hope that upon returning, he could celebrate Aidilfitri with his family in Kota Bharu. When not on SMART duty, he works with the Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Headquarters.
PB Avlyanie Moidi, 28, from Tuaran, Sabah, is the sole female personnel in the mission. She shared her pride in representing Malaysia in this humanitarian effort despite being away from her husband and child. She was informed to be ready on Friday at 2 pm and, though saddened by the separation from her family, she remains focused on the task at hand, motivated by her husband’s advice to be careful and concentrated.
The SMART team, consisting of 50 members, left for Naypyidaw, Myanmar, to participate in a humanitarian mission and SAR operations for earthquake victims. Led by contingent commander Senior Superintendent of Fire 1 (PgKB 1) Mohamad Hafiezul Abdul Halim, the team includes personnel from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and JBPM. The mission is under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and includes SAR equipment, such as two five-tonne trucks and a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The team departed on two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) A400M aircraft from the RMAF Subang Air Base at 9.30 am and 10 am.