Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing contacted ASEAN Alternate Chair Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Haji Anwar bin Ibrahim yesterday afternoon to seek aid for loss and damage in Myanmar triggered by a powerful earthquake on 28 March.

Firstly, the ASEAN Alternate Chair Prime Minister of Malaysia said his deep sorrow over the damage and losses in Myanmar, both on behalf of Malaysia and as the ASEAN Chair. He stated that this morning, Malaysia had already dispatched a rescue and relief team via aircraft. Similarly, the Malaysian Foreign Minister held a virtual meeting with the foreign ministers of other ASEAN member states to discuss how ASEAN member nations, as a family, could extend their cooperation and assistance, including support for the affected people.

The Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the phone discussions regarding the situation in Myanmar, both in his capacity as the Alternate Chair of ASEAN and as the Prime Minister of Malaysia. He also conveyed appreciation for the assistance provided by Malaysia. Furthermore, he acknowledged the support from the AHA Centre, noting that rescue teams from Singapore arrived yesterday and are already carrying out their duties. He stated that search and rescue operations were ongoing. As of now, approximately 1,700 people have died, around 3,400 have been injured, and nearly 300 people are missing. The death toll may continue to rise, and the situation remains subject to change. He emphasized appreciation for the support and cooperation of ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, in this time of hardship and extended gratitude to the ASEAN community.

The Alternate Chair of the ASEAN Malaysian Prime Minister continued that Myanmar is a country that maintains friendly and cordial relations with Malaysia. Therefore, Malaysia will make every effort to provide the best possible assistance. Moreover, the Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs will be sent to Myanmar to assess the on-ground situation and explore the possible support to be extended to Myanmar.

The Senior General responded that Malaysia is a country that maintains a strong and friendly relationship with Myanmar. So, Myanmar also welcomes the visit of the Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Myanmar. Myanmar continues to cooperate with a correct and fair mindset within the ASEAN community. Furthermore, Malaysia’s engagement in this matter, both in its capacity as a nation and as the Alternate ASEAN Chair, has provided significant support to Myanmar. So, the people of Myanmar and himself deeply appreciate these efforts.

MNA/TTA

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