By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
Malaysia’s SMART team is an example for various countries including the United Nations (UN) to coordinate missions, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Zambry said the SMART team is currently at the disaster area in Nurdagi, Gaziantep to continue the mission.
“Several victims were successfully found and removed from the rubble. At the same time, medical aid, medical teams and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) team who will help build field hospital facilities also arrived safely in Turkey.
”Congratulations to the Malaysian SMART Team which serves as a reference for various countries including the UN to coordinate the aid mission. Malaysians, must be proud of all of you,” he said through a statement on his Facebook today.
Zambry said that the main challenge faced by the rescue team was the very cold weather, which could reach -15°c and the special equipment that was needed to be used for search and rescue.
”However, the unwavering spirit of the Malaysian SAR team and the rescue teams of other countries are greatly appreciated,” he said.
He added, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the MOFA Disaster Fund (TBKLN) with account number 105490000599 (Affin Bank) is open to the public who wish to donate to the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria starting from 10 to 23 February 2023.
