Malaysia deploys SMART team to Myanmar for earthquake relief

SUBANG: 50 officers and personnel from the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) have arrived safely at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport, Myanmar, and will proceed by land to the earthquake-affected area.The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) said the first Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft, RMF 141, carrying SMART personnel, landed at 11.16am, while the second, RMF 142, arrived at 2pm.

"They will now move towards the operation zone in Sagaing Division via an eight-hour overland journey," the agency said in a statement today.The SMART team is expected to remain in Myanmar for seven to 14 days.Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia deeply sympathised with Myanmar and swiftly mobilised SMART to assist the neighbouring country.



"We hope this assistance will accelerate search and rescue efforts, as several other international teams have also provided aid," he said at a press conference at the Subang Air Base today.Earlier, 49 personnel and one SMART team commander - comprising 16 Malaysian Armed Forces members, 13 Royal Malaysia Police officers, and 21 Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) personnel - departed for Myanmar at 9.30am.

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