KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed Malaysia’s deepest condolences to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake that struck the country, killing thousands and causing widespread destruction.
Anwar said he contacted Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday to express sympathy on behalf of the Malaysian government and people. He also reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong commitment to supporting Myanmar during this challenging time.
“As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar,” Anwar wrote in a Facebook post. “Malaysia and ASEAN will continue to support ongoing humanitarian aid efforts, including the deployment of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), which began search and rescue operations in the worst-hit areas today.”
He added that a humanitarian mission, led by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, will soon depart for Myanmar to assess needs and further coordinate assistance.
Anwar also informed Min about the Special Emergency ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, convened by Malaysia on Sunday, aimed at mobilising regional support and ensuring effective disaster response.
In a related move, Anwar said he also reached out to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to convey condolences and solidarity, as the earthquake also affected parts of neighbouring Thailand.
Earlier, Malaysia announced an initial pledge of RM10 million in humanitarian aid for Myanmar. Two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft have been dispatched to Nay Pyi Taw, carrying 50 SMART personnel and critical search-and-rescue equipment.
The mission is being led by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) with support from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Malaysian Embassy in Yangon.
— BERNAMA
