PUTRAJAYA, March 29 (Bernama) – ASEAN is prepared to extend its support to Myanmar and Thailand in response to the recent deadly earthquake, in accordance with the priorities identified by both nations, said Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) on Saturday, Mohamad said assistance will be coordinated to ensure effective and targeted aid delivery.
Echoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s earlier remarks, Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia’s solidarity with its ASEAN neighbours, emphasising that ASEAN is committed to assisting both countries in their disaster response efforts.
“ASEAN member states will work closely through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered in a timely, appropriate, and effective manner,” he said.
According to Myanmar’s State Administration Council, at least 144 people were killed and 732 injured when the earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday. The fatalities included 96 in Nay Pyi Taw, 18 in Sagaing, and 30 in Kyaukse, with rescue operations still ongoing amid widespread destruction.
— BERNAMA —
