KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 ― Two Fire and Rescue Department's canines that were involved in the Batang Kali landslide operations in December have been flown to Turkey for the search and rescue of earthquake victims there.

The department's Special Tactical Operations Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) chief commander Ismail Abdul Ghani said the duo ― Frankie dan Denti ― had been medically cleared to take part in the operations, Astro Awani reported.

"There is no problem for us to fly the dogs there as the search and rescue operation was also part of their training.”

"What is important is that they pass the medical screening and approval from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services has been obtained for them to leave the country,” he reportedly said.

Ismail was met on Wednesday evening after the second Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team flew off from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

He added that Frankie and Denti had the expertise for the operation due to their full time training.

"The dogs have been trained and their expertise is to search and rescue...their expertise is to search for victims whether they are alive or otherwise.”

He added that the canines were additional efforts and the mission in Turkey is the same as the one in Batang Kali.

"The canines would play an important role in locating the victims.”

It is understood that Frankie and Denti would be in Turkey for two weeks.