CYBERJAYA: The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) returned home to a hero's welcome this evening after completing their search and rescue (SAR) mission in Myanmar.

They were reunited with their families in an emotional gathering at their headquarters in Pulau Meranti, here.

As the convoy rolled into the base, family members who had been waiting eagerly rushed forward with cheers and tears, embracing their loved ones who had spent over a week in the disaster-stricken region.

The 50-member team had earlier landed at the Subang Air Base at 5pm aboard two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Airbus A400M aircraft, bringing home 31 tonnes of rescue equipment and vehicles.

Their return was welcomed by Armed Forces Chief General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaafar and National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, along with representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Nadma and the armed forces.

Nadma deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Dr Abdul Gapar Abu Bakar said the MAS-01 SMART team said upon arrival, all team members underwent health screenings and were reported to be in good physical and mental condition.

"The team, which arrived in Myanmar on March 30, was deployed to the Sagaing sector, where they were the only international SAR team assigned.

"During their deployment, the team operated at 11 worksites, many of which involved complex collapsed structures that local rescuers were unable to access.

"The team's efforts led to the rescue of a 47-year-old man who had been buried for more than 72 hours at one of the sites. They also recovered the bodies of 10 other victims, including four children," he said at a press conference at the SMART headquarters, here.

He added that the team worked tirelessly under extremely hot weather conditions and frequent aftershocks throughout the mission.

He also praised the elite rescue team for their resilience, expertise, rapid deployment capabilities and the use of advanced equipment, adding that their success further strengthened Malaysia's reputation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

He said the team's sacrifice was even more meaningful as they were deployed just a day before Hari Raya Aidilfitri on April 1.

"Their performance demonstrated Malaysia's unwavering commitment to humanity and regional solidarity in disaster management," he said.

​On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with the epicenter near Mandalay.

As of yesterday, reports said the death toll has risen to at least 3,471, with thousands more injured and many still missing.