SMART faces 36-hour test to keep Heavy USAR certification for overseas missions

SMART, Malaysia's elite disaster-response unit, started a rigorous 36-hour assessment today to prove it still meets Heavy Urban Search and Rescue standards for global missions. The test involves 173 distinct elements, and 85 team members must achieve a green rating on each; a yellow rating is acceptable but a red rating disqualifies the team. The scenario simulates a 7.5-magnitude earthquake striking a made-up area called "Putra Land," creating multiple building collapses for rescuers to navigate.

Sixteen assessors from countries including China, Russia, Norway and Australia are conducting the INSARAG recertification. SMART originally earned the Heavy USAR label in 2016, which allows deployment of at least 63 rescuers on complex international operations. The government has allocated RM14 million for equipment and training, and the team has already participated in 10-15 missions and three pre-assessment rounds. Officials expressed confidence that the team will retain its certification, which is essential for future overseas assignments.