SUBANG: Malaysia is considering sending additional rescuers to aid victims of the devastating Myanmar earthquake, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"We will discuss with the Myanmar Embassy if there is a need to deploy more personnel from the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART).
"This includes coordinating with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the Foreign Ministry if needed," he said after sending off 50 SMART personnel from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) in Subang on Sunday (March 30).
He said the first of two TUDM A400 Airbus aircraft took off at about 9.30am, followed by the other 30 minutes later, and they arrived at Naypyidaw International Airport in Myanmar around noon.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Central Disaster Management Committee chairman, said about 33 tonnes of equipment accompanied the SMART teams for use in search and rescue operations.
"The team also brought medical equipment, and we hope this assistance will accelerate SAR operations in disaster-affected areas, conducted alongside international rescue teams from several other countries," he said.
He said the SMART search and rescue mission is expected to last between seven and 14 days, depending on the situation.
Asked if similar help would be offered to Thailand, also affected by the earthquake, he said the current focus is on Myanmar, which suffered the brunt of the disaster.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia's efforts to assist Myanmar show the nation's solidarity with its Asean partners.
"Driven by a sense of humanity and strong Asean solidarity, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, along with Malaysia as the Asean Chair for 2025, are very sympathetic to what is happening in Myanmar.
"We have taken immediate steps to assist by mobilising the SMART team," he added.
The internationally renowned team will head to the worst-hit areas, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a Facebook post on Saturday (March 29).
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep concern over the devastation caused by the quake and extended condolences to those affected.
He reaffirmed Malaysia's solidarity with Asean neighbours and the country's readiness to support ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts.
