By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 1 (Bernama) --The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) will strengthen its disaster response capabilities with the acquisition of new assets, including an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) and two Light Rescue Tenders.
SMART commander PgKB I Abdul Manaf Che Isa said the acquisition was among the initiatives planned under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), alongside the development of a water rescue simulation site that would be one of the first training facilities of its kind in the country.
“Apart from the capabilities and expertise of our personnel and existing resources, we still need modern equipment that can perform tasks beyond human capabilities.
“These RIVs and UGVs can be deployed in various conditions, including in areas affected by structural collapses, landslides and floods,” he told Bernama recently.
Abdul Manaf said that under current plans, SMART would acquire three RIVs and one UGV, with delivery of the assets expected this year.
He said the remotely operated UGV could be deployed in high-risk situations and hard-to-access areas, complementing the team’s existing capabilities and expertise.
Abdul Manaf said SMART was expected to receive two Light Rescue Tenders in October, which would be used for domestic and international operations and carry Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) equipment.
He said the machinery would be equipped with cutting and punching equipment, while SMART would also utilise movement sensors, drones, as well as mapping and modelling capabilities in its operations.
Abdul Manaf said SMART’s asset modernisation needed to keep pace with technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), particularly to assist the team with observation, mapping and modelling during incidents or disasters.
“Modernisation of existing assets is necessary in view of technological advances, including the use of AI to assist us in making observations, mapping and modelling for every operation domestically and internationally,” he said.
Abdul Manaf said technological capabilities became increasingly important when the team was deployed to countries affected by major disasters, as telecommunications and electricity supply systems were likely to be disrupted.
As a Heavy USAR team, he said SMART needed to be self-sufficient in its operations, including providing its own logistics, communications and food supplies and establishing an operational base without relying on the affected country.
Meanwhile, Abdul Manaf said SMART’s long-term plans would focus on enhancing personnel competency through the development of a water rescue simulation site under the 13MP, with the initiative overseen by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
He said the facility would be more than 15 metres deep and equipped with a rapid current simulator for diving, swimming and Swift Water Rescue training.
“This is a highly anticipated new facility. Apart from enhancing the competency of SMART personnel, it will also serve as a centre of excellence for Malaysia,” he said.
Abdul Manaf said development of the facility was expected to begin next year, adding that unlike a conventional swimming complex, the simulator was specially designed to recreate real-life water rescue scenarios for training purposes.
“This type of simulator is among the first to be developed in Malaysia,” he said.
-- BERNAMA