SUBANG: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Starlight III team returned home on Sunday (June 1) night after completing a 38-day humanitarian mission in Myanmar following a major earthquake there on March 28.
Two air force A400 aircraft carrying 69 personnel, comprising officers and personnel of various specialisations including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (FAST), the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD), and Safety Team, landed at the Subang Air Base at 8.30pm.
The official welcoming ceremony was officiated by the armed forces headquarters Chief of Staff Lt Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman in recognition of the team's dedication and sacrifice in carrying out the humanitarian mission under the Malaysian Field Hospital banner.
Also present were armed forces health services director-general Lt Gen Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh, air operations commander Lt Gen Datuk Masro Kaliwon, and joint forces headquarters Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis.
The MAF in a statement said Operation Starlight III reflected Malaysia’s concern and solidarity with the people of Myanmar affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Sagaing and five other regions, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock that was also felt in neighbouring countries including Thailand.
The humanitarian mission was led by Col Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad as operations commander. It was officially activated on April 18 when the team was deployed to Sagaing to establish the field hospital.
The field hospital began full operations on April 21, providing Level 2 medical services to local residents affected by the natural disaster.
It treated 3,562 patients and conducted 493 surgical procedures, demonstrating the MAF's efficiency and compassion in delivering emergency medical aid in disaster zones. - Bernama
