Anwar: M’sia ready to provide assistance to Asean neighbours
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian embassy in Bangkok has been temporarily sealed pending a safety assessment, says Wisma Putra.
It said that until further notice, Malaysians are advised not to approach the embassy premises which is located at the Kronos Office Tower.
This came about after two earthquakes struck Myanmar yesterday, which led to tremors being felt in surrounding areas.
“In the event of an emergency or severe aftershock, Malaysians in Bangkok are advised to assemble at the Embassy Complex next to Sathorn Garden, instead of the Kronos Sathorn Tower location,” it said in a statement.
“Malaysians residing in or travelling through Myanmar and Thailand are advised to remain vigilant, stay informed through local authorities, and take all necessary safety precautions.”
It said the Foreign Affairs Ministry, through the Embassies of Malaysia in Yangon and Bangkok, is closely monitoring the situation following the quakes.
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The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, struck at about 1pm local time with its epicentre located in the Sagaing Region, northwest Myanmar.
A second earthquake measuring 6.4 in magnitude followed shortly after.
Aftershocks from both earthquakes were felt in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Wisma Putra said in Myanmar, local media reported that a state of emergency has been declared in the regions of Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, eastern Shan State and Naypyidaw as the authorities were assessing the extent of damage as a result of the earthquakes.
“Preliminary checks by the Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon with the Malaysian community indicate that all Malaysians are safe and unaffected at this time,” it said.
In Thailand, reports indicate that key transit systems including the MRT, BTS and the airport rail link in Bangkok have been suspended following the tremors.
The Prime Minister of Thailand has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok as authorities continue to assess the extent of damage.
“Preliminary reports confirm that no Malaysians have been injured,” the ministry said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is ready to extend assistance and support humanitarian efforts, following the powerful earthquake that hit Myanmar and northern Thailand.
“We acknowledge the state of emergency declared by the authorities in Myanmar, and the designation of Bangkok as a disaster-stricken area by the Thai government.
“In this time of shared grief and resilience, may recovery be swift, and may the strength of our regional bonds bring hope and healing,” he said in a Facebook post.
Expressing concern over the catastrophe, Anwar said the reports of collapsed buildings, trapped civilians, and mounting casualties were “deeply distressing”.
“We are also closely monitoring developments in China’s southern Yunnan, where tremors have been felt and structural damage reported,” he said.
Tremors were felt in Penang as well.
Office workers in skyscrapers in George Town described feeling sudden dizziness, with some witnessing objects wobbling around them.
Buletin Mutiara writer M. Thanushalini, 38, was at work on the 47th floor when she sensed her surroundings swaying.
“I was in the middle of typing an article when I unexpectedly experienced vertigo. At first, I thought I was feeling dizzy as it only lasted a few seconds, so I continued working.
“It was only later, after learning about the earthquake, that I connected the dots,” she said.
Penang Economic Planning Unit assistant secretary Zeulqarnain Wahid, 33, also felt the tremors from his 26th-floor office.
“The Hari Raya decorative lights in our office began to sway and I felt lightheaded. Several colleagues mentioned feeling the same, and we realised it was unusual,” he said.
Those in Komtar, Penang’s tallest building, also reported feeling the tremors.
