Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART) is currently on standby for deployment to Nepal to assist search and rescue (SAR) operations following the floods in the country. The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) said, the team's deployment is still subject to the needs as well as the official decision of the Nepali Government to accept the entry of Malaysian assistance.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, "SMART has been on standby and is ready to be deployed to Nepal. However, the movement of the team is still subject to the needs and the official decision of the Nepalese Government to accept the entry of Malaysian assistance," the agency said in a statement today. So far, all coordination regarding this matter is being managed together with the Foreign Ministry, it added.

"This readiness reflects the country's commitment to helping the international community affected by disasters," NADMA said. SMART team commander, Snr Fire Supt I Abdul Manaf Che Isa meanwhile said that the team was in high spirits even though they would be part of the National Day parade tomorrow.

'Even though tomorrow is the 69th National Day and the SMART contingent will be involved in the parade, the team is also preparing for deployment to Nepal. "In principle, the team is always ready to be deployed at a moment's notice,' he told the media here today.

The Prime Minister was reported today as saying that the MADANI Government had decided to send the Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART) to Nepal to assist search and rescue (SAR) operations following the floods that hit the country. He said SMART had also been entrusted to locate and bring home affected Malaysians, in addition to assisting the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal in coordinating assistance and ensuring their safety and welfare.

In addition, Anwar said Malaysia would also contribute US$1 million (US$1 = RM4.03) to Nepal to assist affected victims and support post-disaster recovery efforts.