PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2 — The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has its personnel and logistics on standby for possible deployment to Nepal.

SMART Commander Senior Fire Superintendent I (PgKB I) Abdul Manaf Che Isa said the team’s preparations encompassed the physical and mental readiness of its personnel, as well as specialised equipment, communication systems and medical requirements to support on-ground operations.

“The SMART team is ready physically and mentally, and prepared for any deployment for this mission. Logistical preparations, namely the use of specialised equipment, communications and health, are also on standby,” he said in a statement today.

He said the readiness would allow SMART to be mobilised according to the required form and scale of deployment upon receiving instructions to carry out the mission.

Additionally, he said the Nepalese government had yet to determine the number of personnel required. Therefore, SMART was prepared to be mobilised as a light, medium or skeleton team.

“This mission also depends on Nepal, whether the focus is on search and rescue (SAR) or Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

“As of today, the SAR focus (in Nepal) is prioritising tunnel rescue, which is actively being carried out by several teams from China, India and Korea,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously said SMART would assist in search and rescue (SAR) operations in Nepal following the flood disaster, including locating and bringing home affected Malaysians.

SMART would also assist the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal in coordinating aid and ensuring the safety and welfare of Malaysians affected by the disaster. — Bernama