The Malaysian government is awaiting official approval from Nepal to deploy its Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to assist with search and rescue operations following severe floods. The status of the potential deployment was confirmed following a telephone conversation on Monday, Aug. 31, between Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and his Nepalese counterpart, Shisir Khanal.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohamad Hasan confirmed that he had spoken with Khanal to convey Malaysia’s condolences and to offer assistance. During the call, the two officials discussed the ongoing response to the floods and landslides that have affected parts of Nepal.
“Malaysia stands ready to deploy the SMART team to assist in search and rescue efforts as soon as we receive the green light from the Nepalese government,” the statement noted, summarizing the minister’s communication. The Malaysian government has indicated its team is prepared for immediate deployment pending a formal request and logistical coordination with authorities in Kathmandu.
The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team is an elite unit established in 1994 and operates under the country’s National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). The multi-disciplinary team is trained for complex disaster scenarios, including urban search and rescue, and has been deployed to international emergencies in the past.
The offer of assistance comes as Nepalese authorities manage the consequences of heavy monsoon rains, which have caused multiple rivers to overflow and triggered landslides in several districts. According to reports from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), emergency crews are engaged in operations to locate missing persons and provide aid to displaced families.
Government figures from Nepal indicate that thousands have been displaced, with significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. The Nepalese government is currently conducting an assessment of its needs and coordinating domestic resources for the emergency response. The discussion between the foreign ministers marks a formal step in bilateral cooperation, with the next actions contingent upon Nepal’s official assessment of whether international assistance is required.
