PUCHONG, Oct 20: Humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) aspects are the main focus of the Peaceful Exercise Youyi 2025 (EX AY25), between the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the People’s Republic of China, which is ongoing until Thursday.
Director of EX AY25, Colonel Ismail Mohamed said that through the biennial exercise, both parties had the opportunity to share expertise and increase preparedness in carrying out rescue operations and humanitarian aid, thus strengthening bilateral cooperation in dealing with natural disasters and regional emergency situations.
“The nine-day exercise, scheduled to end on Oct 23, involves various land, sea and air training components, including the exchange of expertise and amphibious operations training.”
“This time’s exercise is quite unique because it was also carried out at the Disaster Simulation Centre, Headquarters of the Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART), with a focus on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training. This is the first time such a concept has been carried out between the ATM and the PLA,” he told reporters here today.
He said SMART members were also involved as subject matter experts (SMEs) to train ATM and PLA members in USAR operations.
Ismail explained that the USAR training provides an opportunity for both forces to understand the concept of rescue involving various agencies and assets, different from conventional SAR operations.
“In addition, both parties also set up field hospitals in disaster areas, as part of simulation exercises to provide immediate treatment to victims during disasters,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Section , Inspector Abdullah Ahmad Sobri, said the exercise was the first time that the SMART, ATM and PLA teams had been combined, thus becoming the best platform to share knowledge, expertise and demonstrate capabilities at the international level.
He said today’s EX AY25 training included various modules including rescue operations at high levels using techniques such as lowering, hauling and transferring , as well as shoring training to stabilise collapsed building structures.
“Overall, this exercise involved approximately 100 combined participants from the ATM, PLA and SMART, whose collaboration helps strengthen operational cohesion in facing real disasters in the future,” he said.
Also taking place was the maritime domain conducted in the waters of the Straits of Malacca involving the ATM through the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the PLA-Navy.
Two RMN ships and three PLA ships are currently conducting Maritime Security (MARSEC), highlighting the joint commitment of both countries in maintaining security and stability in the strategic route.
In total, this exercise involved more than 1,000 military personnel from both sides, encompassing land, sea and air elements.-TVS
Source: TVS
2025-10-20T16:00:00Z