Malaysia has announced plans to deploy its Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team, known as SMART, to Nepal following devastating floods and landslides that have caused widespread destruction in the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the National Security Council and National Disaster Management Agency, in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, had been tasked with coordinating with the Nepalese government to facilitate the team’s deployment.
The unit will assist with search and rescue operations and help locate Malaysians affected by the disaster, while also working with the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal to coordinate assistance and ensure the safety and welfare of Malaysian nationals.
Kuala Lumpur has additionally pledged US$1 million, equivalent to approximately RM4.03 million, to support those affected and contribute to Nepal’s post-disaster recovery efforts. The announcement comes as rescue operations continue following the severe flash flooding that struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district on August 26, an area known for its steep, landslide-prone terrain.
The country’s Foreign Ministry had previously confirmed that 55 Malaysians remained uncontactable following the disaster, a number officials say could shift as communication lines are gradually restored.
The crisis has prompted a wider international humanitarian response as authorities work to rescue survivors and locate the missing, with infrastructure and access to affected communities also disrupted. The dual commitment of specialised manpower and financial support highlights Malaysia’s broader engagement with Nepal, with the deployment’s timing depending on coordination with local authorities and prevailing weather conditions.
