PUTRAJAYA (March 29): Malaysia will deploy a 50-member humanitarian assistance and disaster relief team, through the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), to Myanmar on Sunday to support ongoing humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, following the deadly earthquake that struck central Myanmar, northern Thailand, and parts of southern China.

The Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Saturday, said the deployment consists of one contingent commander and 49 rescue personnel, who will support ongoing humanitarian and disaster relief operations following the devastating earthquake.

The ministry said this consolidated deployment replaces the previously planned staggered dispatch of two separate teams, following the latest operational update from Nadma.

“By deploying the full team in a single coordinated mission, Malaysia aims to maximise the impact and efficiency of its assistance, ensuring that resources are allocated promptly to priority areas identified on the ground,” said the statement.

The ministry said it is facilitating all necessary visa and logistical arrangements for the Nadma mission, with the Malaysian Embassy in Yangon providing ground support, and coordinating with local authorities and humanitarian partners.

In a message shared on Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep concern over the devastation, and extended condolences to the victims and their families.

He reaffirmed Malaysia’s solidarity with Asean neighbours, and the country’s readiness to support ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts.

The ministry reaffirmed Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to regional cooperation, pledging to continue contributing meaningfully to humanitarian relief and disaster management efforts across Asean,

“In the spirit of shared responsibility, Malaysia stands with all affected communities during this period of recovery and resilience,” added the statement.

In the latest development as of Saturday morning, a total of 694 people were killed, 1,670 injured, and 68 missing, following the deadly earthquake in the Mandalay region of Myanmar on Friday, according to the information team of Myanmar's State Administration Council.

The earthquake caused a power supply system failure. Mobile networks were also not working smoothly, and there was no mobile signal in some areas of Yangon.

Many buildings were damaged, and rescue operations are underway, international media reported.

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