The STORM (backronym: Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia; ) is a specialised firefighter unit within the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia. They are one of the special rescue team of the department and also a component of the Rapid Deployment Forces.
STORM, along with Smoke Jumper and Special Air Unit (PASKUB), is regarded as the most elite rescue units in the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM). STORM firefighters are often called upon for high-stakes rescue missions and representing Malaysia in international rescue competitions.
History
Created as a special operations for West Malaysia STORM was formed in March 2011. Their initial tasks were urban search and rescue (USAR) for the western Malaysian region, as well as helping the federal government's Heavy USAR task force, the SMART team. STORM's membership was originally limited to veteran firefighters from other FRDM Special Rescue Team (), such as the Water Rescue Unit, Emergency Medical Rescue Services Team, HAZMAT Team, and MUST.
Restructured to rapid deployment roles Following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in March 2014, the FRDM restructured the existing STORM unit to include crashed aircraft search and rescue among its roles. The Director General of FRDM reorganises STORM, along with the Canine Unit () and the Air Division (), into rapid deployment forces. They were stationed at Kuantan and Langkawi to quickly deploy to assist with the recovery of a crashed aircraft.
The operational area of the STORM unit was later expanded to include East Malaysia, and they are now stationed at major fire stations in all states.
Integration with MUSTeam On 30 September 2024, in Kuching, Sarawak, Director General of FRDM, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, announced plans to dissolve the Multi-Skill Team (MUST) and integrate its members into the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM). The decision was made to address overlapping roles between MUST and other specialised units, such as the Special Air Unit (PASKUB) and STORM.
As part of this transition, MUST firefighters are receiving additional urban search and rescue (USAR) training to align with STORM’s operations. This integration aims to optimise FRDM’s manpower and improve efficiency in response to large-scale disaster needs in Malaysia. Given the country's exposure to natural disasters, consolidating SAR resources under STORM is expected to enhance readiness and resource management. After the integration, all STORM firefighters will be trained in helicopter operations and jungle fire suppression, expanding their abilities in diverse environments. The integration will bring STORM’s strength to over 1,100 firefighters, making it comparable to a regiment-sized force by NATO standards.
Introduction of the new STORM beret On 24 January 2025, for the first time in FRDM’s modern history, a new beret was officially introduced, and STORM firefighters were granted the honour of wearing it. The beret unveiling ceremony was held during the 2025 Annual FRDM Parade Ceremony.
In FRDM, the red beret symbolises that a firefighter has graduated from the Fire and Rescue Academy of Malaysia with at least a diploma in Fire Science. Consequently, all regular and reserve FRDM firefighters traditionally wear a red beret with a black cap badge backing (equivalent to the beret flash in the U.S. Army).
However, to distinguish STORM as an elite specialised unit, their cap badge backing has been changed to maroon, symbolising their role as a rapid deployment force.
Structure STORM firefighters are assigned to the FRDM's Fire and Rescue Operations Division () and are stationed at all major fire stations throughout Malaysia. In an emergency, they can be grouped quickly, depending on the scale of the situation. The FRDM aimed to place at least 30 STORM firefighters in each state.
STORM firefighters are often assisted by search and rescue dogs and their handlers from the Canine Unit.
USAR operations USAR operations in Malaysia typically concern structural collapses and landslides. In missions related to USAR, STORM firefighters, Civil Defense Force's Special Rescue Team (PASPA), and Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team's (SMART) USAR technicians will cooperate, assisted by other units and agencies. As of 2020, only SMART and STORM have the ability to stabilise a collapsed structure. SMART will install sensors and alarms, while STORM firefighters will enter the collapsed building to rescue trapped individuals.
MAS 10 USAR Task force During the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake, Malaysia sent two USAR task forces to Turkey to assist. The first task force, MAS 01, comprised 64 SMART USAR technicians and 6 FRDM firefighters from the FRDM Canine Unit. The second task force, MAS 10, included 30 STORM firefighters, 20 SMART USAR technicians, 20 PASPA USAR technicians, and 3 media staff. MAS 10 was led by Senior Fire Superintendent I Abdul Manaf Che Isa. They spent two weeks there conducting rescue operations.
Other search and rescue operations In the standard operating procedure for search and rescue operations, FRDM will dispatch a SAR team comprising STORM firefighters as the main rescue unit, MUST firefighters to support STORM and serve as ground crew if a helicopter is required, a Water Rescue Unit to assist with water rescues, and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services Team for medical support. If the initial small team is unable to resolve the mission, a larger team will be assembled at the location.
Responsibilities STORM was originally tasked with USAR, landslide rescue, high-rise rescue and firefighting, and jungle firefighting. Because of the higher concentration of high-rise buildings in West Malaysia at the time, their field of operations was limited to that region. Their roles were later expanded to include various types of operations, such as downed aircraft rescue, surface water rescue, and cave rescue, and they now cover the entire region of Malaysia. Their jobs are similar to those of SMART, but they are overseen by the FRDM and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
STORM is responsible for the FRDM's Pusat Kecemerlangan Runtuhan Struktur dan Tanah Runtuh (), a training facility for USAR operations. STORM is also in charge of training the MOCSAR, an elite unit composed of auxiliary firefighters () specialising in mountain and cave rescue in Sarawak.
When there are no operations that require STORM capabilities, the STORM firefighters serve as ordinary firefighters at the station where they are stationed.
Identities
Red beret with maroon cap badge backing Since 2025, all STORM firefighters wear the standard red FRDM beret but with a maroon cap badge backing, distinguishing them from other FRDM personnel, who use a black backing. While the maroon beret is internationally recognised as a symbol of elite airborne units, the maroon cap badge backing serves as an identifier that STORM firefighters are an elite unit and part of Malaysia’s Rapid Deployment Force.
STORM's shoulder patch Every elite unit in FRDM has their own distinctive shoulder patch. The patch symbolised their ability as specialist fire fighters. The STORM's shoulder patch comprises crossed fire axes, a tactical dagger, a figure 8 descent control device, a ribbon with the phrase "Pantas dan Berani" () and a lightning bolt.
Red technical rescue USAR helmet The red technical rescue helmets were initially used by the Malaysian SMART team. STORM, as a protégé of SMART in USAR operations, gets training at SMART's headquarters. They later adopt the red helmet as one of their identities. Today, SMART members donned blue technical rescue USAR helmets while STORM and a few FRDM Special Rescue Teams continued to utilize red helmets.
STORM operation's uniform Every elite unit in FRDM has a distinctive uniform to make them easily distinguishable during operations. Originally, their outfit simply featured reflective strips. It has subsequently evolved, and currently, there is reflective "STORM" lettering at the back of their outfit.
Selection and training The STORM is regarded as the toughest unit in the FRDM. The STORM firefighters are expected to be stronger and more mentally tough than the rest of the regular firefighters. They are trained to operate and survive in a variety of environments, including cities, jungles, swamps, mountains, seas and rivers. They were also exposed to a wide range of sophisticated rescue equipment. STORM's membership was originally limited to veteran firefighters, but it is now open to everyone, including firefighters fresh out of basic training.
STORM selection program (2 days) Also known as Pemilihan Pasukan Special Tactical Operation Rescue Malaysia in Malay, the STORM selection program lasts two days and is held at a designated fire station. For instance, firefighters from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak, and Putrajaya participate in the selection at Putrajaya. STORM seeks members who are not only physically strong but also able to perform well under pressure during operations. Firefighters must complete tasks, including:
run within 45 minutes An Individual Competency Test The BEEP test BA (Breathing Apparatus) endurance while carrying a load
STORM Special Course (4 weeks) The official name of this course in Malay is Kursus Khas STORM, also called Kursus Asas Pasukan Khas STORM, and it lasts for four weeks. Currently offered at the Fire and Rescue Academy Malaysia (FRAM) in Wakaf Tapai, Terengganu, it is the longest and most physically and mentally demanding basic course among the FRDM Special Rescue Teams. Serving as an entrance exam for STORM, the course has a high dropout rate. In 2019, only 39 of 423 firefighters passed the course, a success rate of about 7%. This course is also open to women, and as of 2024, nine female firefighters have completed it.
The course is divided into two phases.
Phase One lasts two weeks and takes place mainly within the training camp. Candidates undergo testing on fundamental skills and theory required for firefighting and are introduced to STORM operations. Physical exercise is intense and ongoing throughout this phase. Phase Two takes place outdoors for the remaining two weeks and focuses on survival skills and rigorous physical training. Some of the tasks in this phase include: A casualty evacuation with a stretcher (teams of six candidates per stretcher) Jungle and swamp survival training Completing a run within 13 minutes, wearing full firefighting gear, and carrying an additional An forced march while carrying a load
Candidates who complete all of the assessments at the end of this course will be awarded with a STORM patch during the passing out ceremony.
Advanced training Firefighters who have completed the STORM Special Course are considered STORM members. However, to remain in the unit, they must also complete STORM advanced training.
Compulsory STORM advanced trainings The mandatory advanced training was not done in a row, but rather in phases. The majority of the advanced training listed here is only available to STORM firefighters. Each course is conducted at FRAM and normally has two levels: basic and advanced. Among the training that STORM firefighters must do are the following:
Rope rescue course (Intermediate level) — 1 week Structural Collapse Rescue Course (Intermediate level) — 1 week Basic Surface Rescue Swimmer Course — 1 week Advanced Surface Rescue Swimmer Course — 1 week Jungle and swamp survival (Advance) () — 2 weeks Wilderness Search and Rescue — 1 week Safety and discipline in airborne operations () — 1 week Coxswain's Course for Small Boats (Basic level) () — 1 week
Non-compulsory advanced trainings Aside from the mandatory STORM advanced training, STORM firefighters can also enrol in courses offered to all FRDM Special Rescue Teams. Among the courses are the following: