KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — Disaster management is challenging, but the National Disaster Management Agency’s (Nadma) commitment to preparedness remains key to supporting people when the country faces disasters, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Paying tribute to the agency on its 11th anniversary today, he said Nadma personnel consistently step up whenever the country faces a disaster, coordinating aid, mobilising response efforts, and working to safeguard people’s safety.

Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, said the agency plays a key role in the country’s disaster management and preparedness.

“Happy 11th anniversary to Nadma. I want to thank all its personnel for their commitment and dedication over the years. Alhamdulillah, the past 11 years have built a strong foundation for the agency,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Ahmad Zahid also congratulated Nadma’s Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) on retaining its status as an International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team following the INSARAG External Reclassification (IER) MAS01 2026 process.

“This achievement shows that our team continues to maintain internationally recognised standards of capability and preparedness.

“I hope the agency will continue to be strengthened as a key pillar of national preparedness, staying one step ahead in responding to any eventuality and remaining a source of support for the people when disaster strikes,” he said. — Bernama