Smart team on standby, awaits Nepalese govt nod for SAR assistance

KUALA LUMPUR: The Special Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) is poised to be deployed to Nepal to aid in search and rescue (SAR) operations following catastrophic floods in the country. The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) announced the team's readiness in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's directive and the Malaysian government's decision to send them to Nepal.

However, Nadma clarified that the deployment would depend on the Nepalese government's acceptance of Malaysia's assistance and their official decision.

Smart is currently on standby and prepared for deployment to Nepal. The team's movement, though, is contingent on the Nepalese government's acceptance of Malaysia's assistance and their official decision. Nadma stated that coordination was being conducted with the Foreign Ministry.

Manaf Mat Isa, the team commander, confirmed to reporters at Smart headquarters that the team had completed all necessary preparations for a potential deployment. Despite tomorrow being the 69th National Day, marked by a parade involving the Smart contingent, Isa stressed that they remained fully prepared for deployment to Nepal to assist in flood relief operations.

The New Straits Times confirmed through checks at Smart headquarters that personnel were inspecting and verifying search-and-rescue equipment, keeping the team on standby for a possible deployment.