A special operations unit for the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department
Military unit
The Multi-Skill Team (lit. 'Pasukan Pelbagai Kemahiran', Abbr.: MUST) is a specialised firefighter and rescue unit within the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM). The unit is highly trained for rapid deployment in helicopter operations and excels in firefighting and rescue missions, especially in challenging locations like high-rise buildings, jungles, and offshore areas. MUST personnel are skilled in various forms of search and rescue operations and often assist as ground crew for helicopters during missions.
While administratively under the FRDM's Air Division, MUST firefighters are stationed at regular fire stations across Malaysia rather than at FRDM's air bases. This strategic placement enables them to act as first responders in local incidents and to provide rapid support for helicopter-assisted missions when required.
MUST is one of the FRDM's several elite rescue teams. They are considered among the most elite units, alongside the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM), Smoke Jumper, and Special Air Unit (PASKUB).
History.
Established as a special operations firefighter unit attached to the Air Division.
The Multi-Skill Team (MUST) was founded on 11 September 1998 in conjunction with the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Initially composed of 21 firefighters, MUST was established to support the newly created Air Division, ensuring the safety of international athletes and officials. The team's expertise was crucial for the event, given the high-rise athlete accommodations near the Bukit Jalil sports complex. At the time, MUST's responsibilities encompassed a broad range of emergency responses, including:
Due to the variety of their specialised roles, the unit was aptly named the "Multi-Skill Team" (MUST).
Shift to air operations focus.
In the early 2000s, MUST underwent restructuring, redistributing some of its initial responsibilities to dedicated FRDM units. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) operations were reassigned to the HAZMAT unit, and water rescues were handed back to the Water Rescue Unit. This transition allowed MUST to concentrate on high-rise rescues, air rescues, and firefighting in hard-to-reach areas, honing its role as an elite team in complex rescue and firefighting missions. The team also adapted its expertise in helicopter operations, managing landing coordination in rugged terrains—a function resembling that of air assault or pathfinder units.
In 2005, selected MUST firefighters received parachute training with the RMAF Special Forces. Following this, the Smoke Jumper unit was established under MUST's command, further expanding the unit's operational scope to include aerial fire suppression and enhancing their role in high-stakes, remote firefighting operations.
Planned phase-out and integration with STORM.
In a statement on 30 September 2024 in Kuching, Sarawak, the director general of FRDM, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, announced plans to dissolve MUST and integrate its members into the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM). This decision reflects redundancy between MUST's roles and those of FRDM Special Air Unit (PASKUB), another specialised air operations unit. Current MUST firefighters are now undergoing urban search and rescue training to prepare for the transition as the unit phases out. This integration aims to streamline FRDM's capabilities and consolidate resources for special rescue operations in Malaysia.
Roles.
The Multi-Skill Team plays several critical roles within Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department (FRDM), particularly in air operations, high-rise rescue, jungle-fire suppression, and search and rescue operations.
In air operations
As part of the FRDM Air Division, MUST firefighters are specially trained for aerial deployment techniques, including winching down, abseiling, and fast-roping from helicopters to reach inaccessible or hazardous locations. Although the establishment of FRDM Special Air Unit (PASKUB) in 2012 took over some of MUST's previous air operation roles, MUST continues to provide essential support for specialised air deployments and high-stakes aerial firefighting.
In high-rise rescue
MUST firefighters are extensively trained in rope rescue techniques, often collaborating with the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM). This joint approach enables both units to execute complex high-rise rescues with a high degree of efficiency and precision, leveraging their expertise to navigate challenging structures and safely extract individuals from elevated locations.
In jungle-fire suppression
MUST and STORM firefighters are skilled in handling jungle fires, although their methods of deployment differ. MUST firefighters are equipped for helicopter insertion, allowing rapid response to remote fires, whereas STORM typically reaches jungle fire locations by land. This helicopter mobility grants MUST a unique advantage for reaching fires that would otherwise be inaccessible.
In search and rescue (SAR) operations
During search and rescue operations, MUST functions as an essential support unit. These missions are generally led by STORM, with MUST contributing to on-ground efforts and serving as ground crew for rescue helicopters. This coordinated approach among FRDM's specialised units ensures efficient SAR operations and optimises resource use across challenging and diverse environments.
Identities.
The Multi-Skill Team has distinctive insignia that highlight its elite status and specialised skills.
MUST shoulder patch.
The MUST shoulder patch reflects the unit’s multi-faceted capabilities and heritage. The design features:
MUST Skills Wings.
The MUST Skills Wings badge is an unofficial emblem worn by Multi-Skill Team (MUST) firefighters, symbolising their specialised training in helicopter operations. Although not formally authorised by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, it has become a recognised marker of the team’s unique capabilities, similar to the U.S. Army Air Assault badge.
Its design, inspired by the U.S. Naval Aircrew Badge, incorporates elements that reflect both national pride and the expertise of MUST members:
Selection and training.
The MUSTeam Selection and Training process is rigorous, designed to ensure candidates are physically and mentally prepared for the high demands of the Multi-Skill Team (MUST). Open to firefighters across all ranks, this selection process is held several times a year at different locations throughout Malaysia.
MUSTeam selection (5 days).
The selection phase, conducted at the state level, filters candidates who demonstrate the physical and mental readiness needed for the unit. During this five-day assessment, candidates are briefed on the job responsibilities of MUST firefighters and undergo several evaluations, including:
Basic MUST Course (3 weeks).
The 21-day Basic MUST Course builds foundational skills for all prospective MUST firefighters. Initially, the course lasted 15 days but was extended to 21 days in the 2020s with the integration of the Helicopter Operations Module, previously a separate course. Instructors, primarily from experienced MUST members and Special Air Unit (PASKUB), guide candidates through five core modules:
Camp module
Candidates undergo physical endurance training and practical map-reading exercises. They are tested on land navigation, using learnt skills to navigate from camp to jungle, ending at the beach at night.
Swamp module
After reaching the beach, candidates strip down to essentials and are transported to a mangrove swamp. For four days, they learn swamp survival techniques, preparing them to survive in such terrain if a helicopter crash occurs there.
Jungle module
Essential for MUST firefighters who handle forest fires, this module covers jungle survival, including finding food and water, treating injuries, and setting up shelter.
Tower module
Back at camp, candidates undergo rope training, abseiling, and winching exercises to simulate helicopter operations and build familiarity.
Helicopter operations module
Candidates receive training on helicopter discipline, applying the tower module skills to real helicopter operations.
Graduation.
Upon successfully completing all modules, candidates must perform a final rescue operation in a swamp setting. Afterwards, they receive the MUST shoulder patch, presented by VIPs, marking their official induction.
Advanced training.
After joining MUST, firefighters continue honing their skills through advanced courses at the Fire and Rescue Academy, including:
MUST firefighters can also apply for selections in more elite FRDM units, such as Special Air Unit (PASKUB) and the Smoke Jumper program, for further specialisation.
References.
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