Kuala lumpur: The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has its personnel and logistics on standby for possible deployment to Nepal. SMART Commander Senior Fire Superintendent I (PgKB I) Abdul Manaf Che Isa stated that the team's preparations encompass the physical and mental readiness of its personnel, as well as specialised equipment, communication systems, and medical requirements to support on-ground operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Manaf Che Isa emphasized that the SMART team is prepared for any deployment for this mission. Logistical preparations, including the use of specialised equipment, communications, and health, are also on standby. He noted that the readiness allows SMART to be mobilised according to the required form and scale of deployment upon receiving instructions to carry out the mission.

The Nepalese government has yet to determine the number of personnel required, but SMART is prepared to be mobilised as a light, medium, or skeleton team. The mission's focus, whether on search and rescue (SAR) or Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), will depend on the needs of Nepal. Currently, the SAR focus is prioritising tunnel rescue, actively carried out by several teams from China, India, and Korea.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously mentioned SMART's role in assisting SAR operations in Nepal following the flood disaster. The team's efforts include locating and bringing home affected Malaysians and assisting the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal in coordinating aid and ensuring the safety and welfare of Malaysians impacted by the disaster.