Myanmar quake: Malaysia ready to aid Myanmar and Thailand, says PM Anwar

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is prepared to extend assistance and support humanitarian efforts following the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar and northern Thailand.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia stands in unwavering solidarity with our neighbours and fellow Asean Member States.

“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.

“Malaysia is ready to extend assistance and support humanitarian efforts as needed.

“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 on Friday night (March 28).

“On behalf of Malaysia, I extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones, and our prayers to those injured and displaced,” Anwar added.

Expressing deep concern over the incident, 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.

It was reported that a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck at approximately 1pm (local time), with its epicentre located in the Sagaing Region, northwest Myanmar.

Aftershocks from both earthquakes were reportedly felt in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City.