Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will undertake a humanitarian mission to Myanmar in the coming days following the deadly earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Foreign Ministry stated that the visit aims to express Malaysia’s compassion and solidarity with the people of Myanmar. The visit will also coordinate additional assistance, taking into account the needs on the ground. Recent media reports indicate that the death toll from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake has risen to over 1,600, with more than 3,400 others injured.
On Sunday, Malaysia, serving as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, convened the Special Emergency ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand via video conference. Mohamad chaired the meeting, which was attended by ASEAN Foreign Ministers or their representatives. Also present were ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and the Foreign Minister of Timor Leste, participating as observers.
In his opening remarks, Mohamad conveyed Malaysia’s deepest condolences and reaffirmed ASEAN’s collective commitment to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to both affected countries. He emphasized that ASEAN will work closely with Myanmar and Thailand to support relief efforts, based on the priorities identified.
Mohamad stated, “ASEAN must also call upon our international partners and the global community to stand with us in this time of crisis. We welcome all forms of assistance that can help alleviate suffering and accelerate recovery efforts.” He urged the international community to work closely with relevant ASEAN mechanisms, particularly the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), to ensure effective aid delivery.
Meanwhile, Mohamad welcomed ASEAN’s swift response through the AHA Centre in supporting immediate relief efforts. He noted that trauma relief supplies from logistics hubs are already being dispatched to Myanmar, with ongoing assessments and responses to urgent needs on the ground. He also emphasized the readiness of the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) for immediate deployment, as ASEAN continues to monitor the situation and scale up its response.
Mohamad added that Malaysia’s commitment to providing assistance is further demonstrated by the rapid deployment of national resources. Earlier today, two Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) aircraft departed for Naypyidaw carrying 50 personnel from the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) and essential equipment to support search and rescue operations.
During Sunday’s meeting, Mohamad called for all parties in Myanmar to cease hostilities and violence to ensure the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and the safety of humanitarian personnel. This plea was supported by the other Foreign Ministers. Mohamad urged all parties in Myanmar to work together towards recovery and rebuilding, emphasizing the ASEAN family’s support for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Myanmar.