PUTRAJAYA: Personnel from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) will be sent for training abroad to gain exposure to disaster management, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

       Among the countries identified for this purpose are Japan and the United States, added Ahmad Zahid, who is also Central Disaster Management Committee chairman.

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       He said the decision to send the agency personnel abroad was also in line with the wishes of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who wanted Nadma and SMART officials to receive overseas training.

       "We intend to establish cooperation with several countries that have the experience and more advanced and up-to-date technology," he told a press conference after delivering his New Year address to Nadma staff in Pulau Meranti on Friday (Jan 19).

       Ahmad Zahid said the effort to send officers abroad would also reduce the agency's dependence on external consultants or experts requiring high costs. – Bernama