KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has deployed a Level Two Field Hospital along with a 69-member medical team from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to Myanmar, as part of its humanitarian response to the devastating earthquake that struck the country on March 28.
The mission, codenamed Operation Starlight III, includes medical specialists from the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (FAST) and elements from the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD), led by Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad, as well as involves 16 officers and 53 members.
The team also carried essential equipment, including medical and communication kits, technical gear, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and two 18-tonne trucks, Bernama reported.
ATM Health Services Director-General Lieutenant General Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said the operation will be based in the Sagaing region, but adjustments may be made depending on evolving conditions.
“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 send-off ceremony at the Subang Air Base today.
Dr Zulkeffeli added that the team mobilised within 72 hours, taking into account various logistical and security challenges, including limited water and electricity in the affected area.
“For security factors, the Myanmar government has ensured that the area where we are deployed is safe,” he said.
Operation Starlight III departed from Subang Air Base on two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Airbus A400M aircraft at 4.45am and 5.15am. Both flights are expected to land at Mandalay International Airport at 7.30am and 8am (Malaysian time), respectively.
Upon arrival, the medical team will immediately begin treating victims in Sagaing.
“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,” said Dr Ahmad Farhan.
Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed Malaysia’s commitment to deploy ATM medical officers to aid relief efforts. He said the field hospital’s capacity would be determined in coordination with Asean member states also contributing similar facilities in the disaster-stricken zones.
On April 5, Khaled made a one-day visit to Myanmar to coordinate the humanitarian mission. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier announced RM10 million in humanitarian aid as an initial Malaysian contribution to Myanmar’s recovery efforts.
Yesterday, Anwar met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of Myanmar’s State Administration Council, in Bangkok to discuss post-quake recovery and regional cooperation.
According to Myanmar’s Meteorological and Hydrological Department, the region has experienced 109 aftershocks following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake and subsequent 6.4-magnitude tremor on March 28.
The death toll has surpassed 3,603, with over 4,817 people injured and 141 still missing. An estimated 9 million individuals, including 2.7 million children, have been severely affected across 58 townships in East Bago, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Southern Shan, and Sagaing.