ATM MEDICAL TEAM LEAVES FOR MYANMAR ON HUMANITARIAN RELIEF EFFORT

KUALA LUMPUR,  April 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has dispatched a medical team from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to Myanmar as part of a humanitarian relief effort under Operation Starlight III following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last March 28.

ATM Health Services Director-General Lieutenant General Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said the 69-member team comprised 16 officers and 53 members from various specialisations, including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (FAST) from the Malaysian Field Hospital, an element from the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD).

He said the team, led by Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad, also brought essential equipment, including a Level Two Field Hospital, medical and communication kits, technical equipment, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and two 18-tonne capacity trucks.

"The plan is to operate the field hospital for one month, and after that, we will conduct an assessment based on field observations to determine any further needs," he told reporters during the sending-off ceremony at the Subang Air Base today.

He said the plan is to operate the Field Hospital in the Sagaing area, Myanmar, but did not rule out the possibility of the location changing based on the situation.

Commenting further, Dr Zulkeffeli said the team took 72 hours to prepare to activate the mission as various factors had to be taken into account, including security, limited water and electricity supplies in the area where the Field Hospital is located.

"For security factors, the Myanmar government has ensured that the area where we are deployed is safe," he said.

Operation Starlight III was deployed from the Subang Air Base using two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Airbus A400M aircraft which departed at 4.45 am and 5.15 am, respectively.

Both flights are expected to land at Mandalay International Airport, Myanmar, at 7.30 am and 8.00 am (Malaysian time) today.

Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Farhan said the team will provide health treatment to the affected victims immediately after arriving in the Sagaing district, Myanmar.

He acknowledged that the team is expected to face challenges in the affected areas, but emphasised that this has not dampened the spirit or determination of the personnel involved.

"Despite the anticipated difficulties on the ground, all officers and members of Operation Starlight III remain highly motivated to carry out their duties, in line with the mandate entrusted to them by the Prime Minister as ASEAN Chairman," he said.

Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that Malaysia would deploy ATM medical officers to support relief efforts in Myanmar. The capacity of the field hospital will be determined in coordination with other ASEAN member states that have also set up similar facilities in the disaster-stricken areas.

On April 5, Mohamad made a one-day visit to Myanmar to coordinate the humanitarian mission following the devastating earthquake.

On March 30, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Malaysian government would provide RM10 million in humanitarian aid as an initial contribution to support Myanmar’s recovery efforts.

According to the latest data from the Myanmar Meteorological and Hydrological Department, the region has experienced 109 aftershocks since the initial 7.7-magnitude earthquake and a subsequent 6.4-magnitude tremor that struck central Myanmar on March 28.

The death toll has climbed to over 3,603, with more than 4,817 people injured and 141 still reported missing. An estimated 9 million people have been severely affected by the disaster, including 2.7 million children, across 58 townships in East Bago, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Southern Shan, and Sagaing regions.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra in a statement today said the government's Field Hospital initiative demonstrates Malaysia's strong commitment to humanitarian values ​​and the well-being of its neighbours who are currently suffering.

"As the ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is proud to be with the people of Myanmar in this challenging time, by channelling life-saving assistance to areas that need it most.

"This effort is part of Malaysia's broader humanitarian assistance strategy and reflects Malaysia's shared commitment to peace, stability and the well-being of all Member States," read the statement.

It said the mission, led by the Ministry of Defence in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to ensure the swift mobilisation and effective delivery of health assistance to areas experiencing critical medical service shortages.

The field hospital is in collaboration with local authorities to ensure the delivery of safe, fair and effective health services, especially to displaced and vulnerable groups, the statement added.

-- BERNAMA