THE Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) returned to a hero’s welcome on Monday evening after completing its search and rescue (SAR) mission in Myanmar.

Team members were reunited with their families in an emotional gathering at the SMART headquarters in Pulau Meranti here.

It was not, however, just their families and Malaysian officials who turned up to welcome them — a group representing the Myanmar community in Malaysia was also present to show their appreciation.

As SMART members arrived at the base, family members rushed forward with cheers and tears, embracing their loved ones who had spent over a week in the earthquake-hit country.

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

They were greeted at the air base by Armed Forces chief General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaafar and National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) directorgeneral Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, as well as representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Nadma and the armed forces.

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

“The team, which arrived in Myanmar on March 30, was deployed to the Sagaing region, where it was the only international SAR team assigned,” he said.

“During deployment, the team operated at 11 sites, 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. The team also recovered the bodies of 10 other victims, including four children.”

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

He said the team’s sacrifice was especially meaningful as they were deployed just a day before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“The team’s performance demonstrated Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to humanity and regional solidarity in disaster management,” he said.

On March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar, with the epicentre near Mandalay.

SMART personnel shared some heartfelt moments with the Myanmar community who had gathered to welcome them.

Representatives of the community presented them with flowers and traditional scarves and took pictures with the team.

James La Seng, representing the Coalition of Burma Ethnics Malaysia, expressed the community’s gratitude.

“No words can express how thankful we are to SMART for responding quickly to the disaster.”

La Seng expressed the Myanmar community’s appreciation for SMART’s efforts and praised their willingness to forgo Hari Raya celebrations to carry out the mission.

“We know the SAR operations were extremely challenging, as infrastructure and resources are limited due to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. It’s even more touching that they sacrificed their Hari Raya celebrations for this,” he said.

He also lauded the Malaysian government’s commitment to providing RM10 million in humanitarian aid for the ongoing relief efforts.

“This gesture of compassion, especially under Malaysia’s leadership as the 2025 Asean chair, demonstrates true regional solidarity and humanitarian leadership.”

Myanmar nationals from seven different ethnic groups were present at the event.

In addition to presenting gifts, they held up a banner at the entrance of the headquarters that read, “Welcome home, our heroes — SMART Team! Thank you for helping our people.”

“I felt so helpless when the earthquake happened,” said Jaw Tu Hkawng, a Kachin refugee.

“Thousands are still missing after the earthquake, and those who survive lack food, shelter and medical relief. We are deeply touched by the humanity and love shown by SMART.”