Bandar Seri Alam: Thirty-five medical officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces will be sent on a humanitarian mission to earthquake-hit Myanmar, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He stated that this initiative follows the Malaysian government’s agreement in principle to establish a field hospital in the country, which was devastated by an earthquake on March 28. The capacity and precise location of the hospital will be determined later, contingent upon approval from the Myanmar government.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Defence Minister emphasized that the deployment arrangements for the 35 medical officers are underway. The specifics regarding treatment capacity will be decided in collaboration with other ASEAN countries that also intend to set up field hospitals in the region. The field hospital aims to provide orthopaedic and trauma care, including emergency surgery for victims with fractures and related injuries, to prevent permanent disability among those affected by the earthquake.

Additionally, Malaysia plans to assist in training Myanmar’s medical teams as part of capacity-building efforts in the health sector. Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed readiness for the mission, pending approval and directions from Myanmar on the deployment location.

The Minister made these remarks during a press conference after inaugurating the BHPetrol Bandar Seri Alam station and attending a Hari Raya celebration in Bandar Seri Alam. He further mentioned that the Malaysian government would request Myanmar to ensure the field hospital’s location is secure and free from threats posed by armed groups, emphasizing the importance of safety for medical personnel.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had previously noted that the Malaysian government agreed in principle to establish a field hospital in Myanmar, following approval from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at last week’s Cabinet meeting.