Brunei (Commonwealth Union)_ Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia’s disaster management agencies are currently exploring the possibility of conducting collaborative exercises that involve their respective fire and rescue personnel. According to Colonel (Rtd) Muhd Harrith Rashidi bin Haji Muhd Jamin, the Director of Brunei’s National Disaster Management Centre, during the second bilateral meeting between the two agencies, both parties expressed their interest in organizing joint drills. Further, the center is seeking Malaysia’s assistance in conducting scoping for national urban search and rescue operations.
The director commended the Malaysian government for their successful search and rescue mission in Turkiye, which occurred in February. This achievement showcased Malaysia’s ability to provide humanitarian aid, as the team managed to rescue and evacuate individuals who were trapped for seven days beneath the debris. Khairul Shahril bin Idrus, the Director General of Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency, emphasized the significance of enhanced cooperation and joint initiatives in the field of disaster management due to the countries’ shared border.
With the first bilateral meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the previous year, these subsequent meetings serve as a means to solidify the cooperation outlined in a memorandum of understanding between Brunei and Malaysia, aiming to enhance their disaster coordination efforts. As part of his visit, the Malaysian director-general paid a courtesy call to Salminan bin Haji Burut, the Permanent Secretary (Safety and Welfare) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, expressing his respect and extending greetings.
The ongoing collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in the field of disaster management signifies their commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The joint exercises and bilateral meetings between their respective agencies highlight their shared vision of effective coordination and cooperation in times of crisis. By leveraging their expertise and resources, these two nations are working towards building resilient communities and ensuring the safety and welfare of their citizens. As they continue to enhance their partnership, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia serve as inspiring examples of regional cooperation in mitigating the impact of disasters and fostering a culture of resilience.
