Kuala Lumpur: The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has described the selection of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to be a mentor for Russia’s RUS-03 search and rescue team as a great honour for Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NADMA director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah stated that the six-day training, from June 15 to 20, is part of RUS-03’s preparation for the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG)’s reassessment exercise. Abdul Halim emphasized that Russia’s decision to appoint Malaysia as the mentor acknowledges the excellence demonstrated during past search and rescue missions, particularly in Myanmar and previously in Turkiye.

He shared these insights while speaking to reporters after receiving a visit from Russia’s Emergency Situations Minister, Colonel General Alexander Kurenkov, at the SMART headquarters. Abdul Halim further mentioned that SMART is also undergoing the INSARAG recertification process for the upcoming year, highlighting that the team was first certified in 2016. He noted the challenges involved in maintaining the certification, expressing that the task is even more demanding now due to heightened expectations on Malaysia.

The Russian team expressed admiration for SMART’s professionalism, determination, and training approach, especially in operational techniques and current best practices. Abdul Halim pointed out that the joint training has opened avenues for collaborations, with Russia inviting Malaysia to collaborate in various areas of expertise and offering short-term training and study programs. He mentioned that this development will be communicated to the Public Service Department as it aligns with the government’s strategic goals to enhance national disaster preparedness and management.