Myanmar quake Malaysia sends relief team to aid in rescue effort

SUBANG – Malaysia deployed a rescue team of 50 personnel to quake-stricken Myanmar on March 30, as the death toll from the disaster surpassed 1,600.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also pledged RM10 million (S$3.04 million) in humanitarian aid. A humanitarian mission, led by Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, will be dispatched to Myanmar.

“The mission is aimed at showing Malaysia’s support for the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, which include a team from the National Disaster Management Authority (Nadma) currently on the ground, starting today,” Datuk Seri Anwar said in a Facebook post.

He was referring to the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart),consisting of military, police and fire-and-rescue personnel who flew to Myanmar on the morning of March 30.

They loaded two lorries, a Hilux four-wheel drive, search-and-rescue equipment and medical supplies into two military aircraft before departing from Subang air base.

As the 2025 chair of regional grouping Asean, Malaysia is deeply sympathetic to Myanmar’s situation, said Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi. The immediate deployment of the rescue team reflects Asean’s spirit of humanitarian aid and solidarity, he said.

“We hope our team can reach ground zero and remain there for seven to 14 days, depending on the situation. We aim to provide aid that will expedite the search-and-rescue efforts,” he said after flagging off the mission. Myanmar’s Ambassador to Malaysia, U Aung Soe Win, was also present.

This comes after fellow Asean member Singapore sent an 80-strong team from the Singapore Civil Defence Force to Myanmar on March 29 to assist in rescue efforts.

On March 29, Asean foreign ministers said member states are prepared to provide support for relief and recovery through the regional emergency response mechanism.

In their joint statement, they said Asean will work closely to coordinate humanitarian assistance, support and facilitate relief operations,