THE simulation site for the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) in Pulau Meranti, near here, is set to be completed in February.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said this would be the first disaster simulation centre in Malaysia and the second in Asean, after Singapore’s.

“This is an excellent training initiative to prepare our country for disaster situations. “The cost of building this centre is RM33.4 million… it will feature 10 disaster simulations, from which we can gather important information.

“The Public Works Department will continue to implement various projects for multiple agencies,” he said following his site visit yesterday .

The training modules provided in this project include the cable car module (cable car accident rescue) and a hazmat module (rescue in areas with hazardous materials).

Other rescue modules will cover scenarios such as underground train accidents, full building collapses, multiple building collapses, partial building collapses, leaning buildings and tower abseiling.

Ahmad said the purpose of this disaster simulation training centre was to enhance the skills of Smart’s personnel, helping them to become a more efficient rescue team in the event of a disaster.

“If the personnel do not receive proper training, even regular tasks cannot be carried out efficiently. “There are about 150 people (Smart personnel) involved, and this number will grow over time.

“Our rescue teams not only face disasters within the country, but also (responses to crises) abroad,” Ahmad said.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said this centre would have the capability to conduct simulations of various disaster scenarios, forming the foundation for comprehensive training based on real disaster situations.

It said the centre’s facilities and technology would support all the requirements necessary to help Smart maintain its recognition by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (Insarag).

Insarag is an organisation under the United Nations that coordinates international rescue operations for cross-border disaster relief.

“The ministry hopes that the momentum of the work achieved so far will be maintained or enhanced. “This project can be completed on time or even ahead of schedule, while ensuring the quality, cost and safety standards on the construction site are upheld,” it said.