Syarikat Mengurus Air Banjir & Terowong (“SMART”) on 10 August officially handed the keys to two custom-built 4x4 First Responder Vehicles to the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia.

The First Responder Vehicles (“FRV”) was handed over to the Fire and Rescue Department in a ceremony at SMART Motorway Control Center recently. The key to the vehicles was received by Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, Director of the Federal Territory, on behalf of the Department.

Both vehicles are specially designed for accessibility into SMART Highway and are equipped to perform necessary fire and rescue emergencies in the dual purpose tunnel.

Manufactured in accordance with international standards of MS ISO 9001 for quality assurance and under the special requirements of the National Fire Protection Agency, the vehicles aim to bolster the current SMART Highway ’s Emergency Response Patrol team’s rescue operations.

The FRVs were customised to meet the sophisticated designs of the SMART Tunnel such as height limitations, tunnel maneuverability, special equipment housing, and is powered by an engine that produces minimal carbon emission in order to ensure safety in the tunnel is maintained throughout an emergency operation.

During a rescue scenario, SMART General Manager of Operations, Mohd Fuad Kamal Ariffin said that once a fire distress call is made and confirmed by the Control Centre at SMART, immediate notifications will be sent to the nearest Fire and Rescue Department for the request of an FRV.

To further shorten the mobilization time from a Fire and Rescue Department to SMART Highway during an emergency, Fuad said that each vehicle will be parked at separate and specific locations to gain direct access into the upper or lower deck of the tunnel (Taman Desa and Jalan Hang Tuah Fire and Rescue Departments respectively).

The powerful 2.5 litre DOHC 4 x 4 vehicles with customization are the first of its kind, Malaysian fire engines that will be used solely for SMART Highway operations.

In an emergency or possible fire, Fuad reassured the public that motorists need only call SMART Helpline 1-300-88-7188 to receive assistance from the Emergency Response Patrol. Motorists are advised to stop their vehicle, switch off their engine, turn on the hazard lights and wait in their vehicle until helps arrive.

When using the SMART Highway, motorists can also gain access to all other safety facilities provided by the highway such as emergency exits located at every 250 meter interval, access emergency phones at safe areas or “green zones” while waiting for assistance from the Emergency Response Patrol.