SMART undergoes 36-hour assessment to retain Heavy USAR status

PUCHONG: The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) is currently engaged in a rigorous 36-hour assessment to maintain its Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) status for international disaster missions. The evaluation commenced today at 7 am, with 85 SMART personnel needing to successfully complete all assessment elements to secure the recertification needed for overseas deployments.

National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Dr Abdul Gapar Abu Bakar stated that the assessment aims to evaluate both SMART's technical skills and their overall preparedness for real-world disaster scenarios abroad. He emphasized that no steps or items can be overlooked, as the goal is for every one of the 173 elements to receive a green rating.

Anything rated yellow indicates room for improvement, but a single red rating would result in the team not being certified. Each element, ranging from administration to logistics, search and rescue operations, and documentation, must adhere to strict standards. This year's simulation involved a hypothetical magnitude 7.5 earthquake in a fictional area called Putra Land, leading to numerous building collapses.

The assessment is being carried out by 16 international assessors, with leaders from China and Russia, and additional assessors from Norway, Australia, and other nations. Nadma's recognition of SMART's adherence to international standards is crucial for deployment on overseas search and rescue operations. The team earned the Heavy USAR classification in 2016, the top tier, allowing for complex rescue operations with a minimum of 63 personnel.

Failure to obtain recertification could hinder SMART's ability to participate in international missions. Nadma expressed confidence in SMART's capabilities and discipline, and optimism that the elite team will retain the certification. The preparations for recertification began in January 2025, with the government providing RM14 million for equipment, K9 detection dog units, and vehicles.

SMART has also participated in 10 to 15 local and overseas missions or training exercises, along with three pre-assessment rounds, earning praise from its mentors.