Aman Youyi 2025 Exercise Focuses On HADR To Strengthen Disaster Response Cooperation
PUCHONG, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) serves as the focus of the ongoing Aman Youyi 2025 Exercise (EX AY25) between the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which runs until this Thursday.
EX AY25 director, Colonel Ismail Mohamed, said the biennial exercise provides both sides with an opportunity to share expertise and enhance preparedness in conducting rescue and humanitarian operations, while reinforcing bilateral cooperation in responding to natural disasters and regional emergencies.
“The nine-day exercise, scheduled to conclude on Oct 23, encompasses a range of land, sea, and air training components, including knowledge exchanges and amphibious operation training.
“This year’s exercise is particularly unique as it is also being conducted at the Disaster Simulation Centre of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue team (SMART) headquarters, with a focus on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training. It marks the first time such a concept is carried out between the MAF and the PLA,” he told reporters today.
He said SMART personnel are also involved as subject matter experts to train MAF and PLA personnel in USAR operations.
Ismail explained that the USAR training offers both forces an opportunity to better understand multi-agency rescue concepts and the coordination of various assets, setting it apart from conventional search and rescue (SAR) operations.
“In addition, both sides set up a field hospital in the disaster area as part of the simulation exercise to provide immediate medical treatment to victims,” he said.
Meanwhile, Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Section, Inspector Abdullah Ahmad Sobri, said the exercise marked the first collaboration between the SMART Team, MAF, and PLA, providing an excellent platform to exchange knowledge and expertise while demonstrating their capabilities on the international stage.
He said today’s EX AY25 training covered various modules, including high-angle rope rescue operations using techniques such as lowering, hauling, and transfer, as well as shoring exercises to stabilise collapsed building structures.
“Overall, the exercise involved around 100 participants from the MAF, PLA, and SMART, with the collaboration helping to enhance operational cohesion and preparedness in responding to real-world disasters in the future,” he said.
The maritime exercise, held in the waters of the Strait of Melaka and involving both countries’ navies, is also underway.
Two Royal Malaysian Navy vessels and three PLA ships are carrying out a Maritime Security (MARSEC) exercise, underscoring both nations’ shared commitment to maintaining security and stability along the strategic waterway.
Overall, the exercise brings together more than 1,000 military personnel from both nations, encompassing land, sea, and air components.
-- BERNAMA
