MALAYSIA will partner with Japan, Russia and South Korea to broaden the country’s disaster management international collaborations and strengthen the capabilities of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART).

National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said negotiations to finalise memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with these countries were expected to be concluded this year.

“We’ve already discussed the MoU with Japan, while talks with Russia and South Korea are in the final stages.

“However, the final decision will depend on cabinet approval, as it must be in line with Malaysia’s national interests,” he told Bernama in a recent interview.

Malaysia has signed MoUs on disaster management with Singapore, Indonesia and Turkiye, reflecting international recognition of SMART’s expertise.

“These MoUs not only formalise operational collaboration but are also recognition of SMART’s capabilities, with other nations keen to learn from our experience,” he said.

Khairul Shahril said the cooperation would strengthen strategic ties and enhance search-and-rescue efficiency through training with foreign rescue teams.

He said the government was considering expanding SMART, especially in light of the SAR experience gained in the Gaziantep earthquake in Turkiye in February 2023.

Currently, the team’s composition complies with standards set by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), consisting of two units totalling 160 personnel.

SMART comprises personnel drawn from the Fire and Rescue Department, police, and armed forces.

Khairul Shahril said personnel would return to their units after their SMART service ended and there were discussions with the Public Service Department to explore ways of retaining their expertise within the team.

“We’re also exploring ways for former SMART members to continue participating in training after returning to their original departments.

“This would allow us to mobilise them for operations when needed,” he said.

Khairul Shahril said SMART had participated in drills organised by the Asean secretariat and had received requests from neighbouring countries, including Brunei, Thailand and Indonesia, to advise their rescue units on getting INSARAG certification.

He said SMART had also been invited to various international SAR conferences. “SMART is the second team in Southeast Asia to be recognised by INSARAG after Singapore. The team’s increasing role as a global reference in SAR operations elevates Malaysia’s international profile.

“The willingness of other nations, including advanced economies, to collaborate with us in training underscores SMART’s global reputation and, by extension, enhances Malaysia’s stature,” he added.