Malaysia's SMART team arrives in Nepal to launch disaster relief mission

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 — Malaysia's Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has touched down in Kathmandu to commence its humanitarian mission in earthquake-affected Nepal, marking the country's swift response to international distress calls.

The MAS01 contingent, comprising trained rescue personnel and specialists in disaster response, began establishing operations immediately upon arrival at the Nepalese capital. The deployment underscores Malaysia's commitment to extending aid to nations facing natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies in the South and Southeast Asian region.

SMART teams are equipped with advanced rescue equipment, medical personnel, and logistical support capabilities to assist in search and rescue operations, emergency medical care, and damage assessment. The unit operates under protocols developed through years of experience responding to major disasters across Asia.

The mission was authorised following an official request for assistance from the Nepalese government. Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated the rapid deployment to ensure the team could mobilise within the critical first days following the disaster.

This deployment reflects Malaysia's active participation in regional disaster relief frameworks and its readiness to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to neighbouring nations during crises.