NADMA Hopes Budget 2027 Will Strengthen SMART With Latest Equipment
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) hopes that the budget allocation submitted through Budget 2027 will be approved to enable the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to continue being equipped with the latest equipment in line with the development of search and rescue (SAR) operation technology.
Its director-general, Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim, said that budget allocation requests are made annually through the budget screening process, specifically to ensure that the national special forces always have the best capabilities and equipment.
"Every year when there is a budget screening, we do apply. I hope we get approval and next year we can make the purchase with the latest models," he said.
He said this to the media after the closing ceremony to celebrate SMART's success in maintaining its recognition as a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (Heavy USAR) team by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) here today.
Meor Ismail said that the technology and equipment used in SAR operations are constantly changing, therefore SMART needs to keep pace with these developments.
Taking the example of drone usage and cutting equipment, he said the technology for these tools is constantly changing and requires the team to continuously enhance their capabilities.
"Sometimes drones are already there, always changing... Similarly, the equipment (such as cutting tools) themselves are always changing. Sometimes we need to advance. For me, SMART is a special team, unique in the country. So the equipment has to be the best, he said.
Meor Ismail said that ensuring the membership, individual expertise, and SMART equipment are always up to date is also important for maintaining the team's international recognition.
The Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 9.
SMART successfully maintained its recognition as a Heavy USAR team through the INSARAG External Reclassification (IER) 2026 after undergoing a 36-hour field assessment involving 173 criteria, including aspects of command and control, medical response, technical search, logistics, and the capability to conduct international operations.
According to him, the recognition is valid for a period of five years and SMART needs to undergo a re-evaluation in 2031 to ensure the team continues to meet the established standards.
Earlier, Meor Ismail said in a speech that Malaysia will continue to invest in USAR capabilities, including improving equipment, training, and inter-agency coordination to ensure the country is not only ready to protect its citizens but also able to assist neighbouring countries and international partners when needed.
"Reclassification is not the end. It is a new commitment to humanity. Malaysia will continue to invest in our urban search and rescue capabilities. We will continue to improve our equipment, training and coordination between agencies," he said.
He also said Malaysia remained committed to strengthening its disaster response capability, and maintaining readiness to support international disaster response.
"We are ready not only to protect our own people, but also to support our neighbours and international partners when assistance is needed," he added.
-- BERNAMA