First three women in SMART team for monsoon rescue operations

PUTRAJAYA: The country's elite team, the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), is having its first three women joining the 122 members in rescue operations during the upcoming Northeast Monsoon season.

National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) deputy director-general (Operation Implementation Division) Meor Ismail Meor Akim said the three women joined SMART in June 2021 and they were from the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department.

"Since (SMART) was established in 1995, this is the first time we have women on the team, and we welcome their participation.

"I am confident the team is ready to carry out its duties in whatever situation and wherever the location," he told reporters after inspecting the parade of SMART commanders and assets at the SMART Headquarters, Pulau Meranti near here today.

The SMART Team was established on Aug 1, 1995, under the National Security Council Directive Number 19, In 2015, the elite team was placed under NADMA.

Acting SMART Commander Abdul Manaf Che Isa said the team members, including women, were well-trained, with physical endurance and skilled in handling all the team's assets.

"Before they are absorbed into SMART, they are required to undergo physical training, involving land, air and sea rescue operations for 11 weeks. They also underwent operations in highland areas," he said.

On the team's assets, Abdul Manaf said the team was equipped with modern and sophisticated equipment, including 10 wheel drive vehicles, 10 lorries, 10 boats, six all-terrain vehicles (ATV), four vans, two bulldozers and two scrambler motorcycles.

"These assets complete the preparedness level of the team. When a disaster notification is received, this team will be ready to leave for the location within one hour," said Abdul Manaf, who has served the team for eight years.

Meanwhile, RMAF Air Corporal Nur Fitrah Amirah Suhaidi, 25, said she joined the team to gain experience through rescue operations in various situations and locations.

"When I was in the RMAF team, I did not experience this (rescue operation). I will give the best," she said.

Sharing her experience during the training session, she said it helped her to equip herself with the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as improve her mental and physical endurance.

-- BERNAMA