KOTA TINGGI: Malaysia, as Asean Chair 2025, will coordinate all aid and assistance to be sent to Myanmar through humanitarian missions.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic) said Malaysia will coordinate the types of assistance to be provided to Myanmar following the earthquake that struck on March 28.

He added that his ministry has been informed of Myanmar’s requests. “As the Asean Chair, we are taking this opportunity to coordinate the aid delivery.

“When Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan visited Myanmar on behalf of Malaysia recently, there were several requests made by the Myanmar side.

“Among them was for us to provide a field hospital, which I believe will be brought to the government for further discussion and decision,” said Mohamed Khaled, who is also the Kota Tinggi MP, after attending the Kota Tinggi parliamentary Hari Raya open house at Dewan Jubli Sultan Ibrahim here yesterday.

On another subject, Mohamed Khaled said the United States’ decision to impose new tariffs, including on Malaysia, would plunge the world into uncertainty and trigger a global trade war.

He added that Malaysia is now facing challenges with uncertain conditions, with the latest US action adding to the pressure.

“What we are certain about is the tariff that has been imposed on our country and on all other countries – that we are sure of.

“But as I have said, we strongly support the government’s efforts to negotiate with the United States, and perhaps, we can succeed because our relations are good.”

He said even if Malaysia was successful in its negotiations with the United States, it would not spare our country from the challenges that arise from the actions taken by the Trump administration.

“When global trade is not free, or is hindered or blocked by high tariffs, many countries face decline and they will be in a situation where many companies would not want to invest,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled added that every country wants to trade with the United States because of its huge market, but when they imposed protectionist measures, it restricts market access and competitiveness.

“Previously, it was the United States that championed and introduced the idea of free global trade, but now, it has pulled back from the very system it introduced. “That is why the world is in a state of uncertainty.

“That is why we should support our government’s efforts to negotiate, but there is still no certainty about what will happen to the world. “It might lead to a global trade war – and we do not yet know what the outcome will be,” he said.

On the issues Umno will bring up in the Ayer Kuning by-election, Mohamed Khaled said larger issues of development and welfare would be highlighted.

Umno will address how there is cooperation in the formation of the unity government, including in Perak, and focus will be given to matters related to the development and welfare of the people.

“We will address public understanding of government challenges, including external factors like US tariffs.

“As for other issues, we will see what the Opposition brings up. Surely, they will seize this opportunity to say that everything the government does is wrong,” he said.

The Ayer Kuning by-election is set for April 26, with nomination day and early voting on April 12 and 22 respectively. The by-election is being held following the death of its incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin, on Feb 22.

In the 15th General Election, Ishsam, who was also the Tapah Umno division chief, won with a majority of 2,213 votes in a five-cornered contest.

PUCHONG - Pasukan Mencari dan Menyelamat Khas Malaysia (SMART) yang menyertai Operasi MyTeam Relief Gempa Bumi Myanmar berjaya menyelamatkan seorang lelaki berusia 47 tahun yang ditemui hidup selepas lebih 72 jam tertimbus akibat bencana besar yang melanda negara itu, baru-baru ini.

Penemuan mangsa yang masih hidup itu antara pencapaian dicatatkan pasukan yang terdiri daripada 50 anggota yang menyertai misi mencari dan menyelamat (SAR) sepanjang enam hari menyertai operasi berkenaan.

Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Operasi) Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara (NADMA), Datuk Dr Abdul Gapar Abu Bakar berkata, pencapaian lain ialah berjaya mengeluarkan 10 lagi mangsa termasuk empat orang kanak-kanak yang meninggal dunia.

“Misi Operasi MyTeam Reflief ini telah memberi peluang kepada pasukan SMART menguji tahap kesiapsiagaan dan pematuhan kepada piawaian Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) antarabangsa.

“Kecekapan anggota SMART, penggunaan peralatan dan kelengkapan SAR yang canggih, kerjasama yang harmoni dengan pasukan tempatan serta keupayaan taktikal SMART mendapat penghargaan daripada pemimpin dan komuniti setempat.

“Ia juga membuktikan komitmen Malaysia terhadap prinsip kemanusiaan dan solidariti serantau dalam pengurusan bencana,” katanya ketika sidang akhbar selepas menyambut ketibaan pasukan MAS - 01 SMART NADMA Operasi MyTeam Relief Gempa Bumi Myanmar di Markas SMART, di sini pada Isnin.

Terdahulu, seramai 50 anggota pasukan berkenaan selamat tiba di tanah air pada jam 5 petang.

Kesemua pasukan yang terlibat mendarat di Lapangan Terbang Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) Subang dengan menaiki pesawat A400M milik TUDM sebelum di bawa ke Markas SMART di sini, dan disambut ahli keluarga masing-masing.

Sementara itu, Abdul Gapar dalam sidang akhbar sama turut memaklumkan kesemua anggota pasukan yang terlibat selesai menjalani saringan kesihatan sebaik tiba di tanah air dan disahkan berada dalam keadaan sihat.

Menurutnya, sepanjang enam hari penugasan, pasukan berkenaan melaksanakan operasi mencari dan menyelamat di 11 kawasan runtuhan yang kebanyakannya melibatkan struktur yang kompleks dan di luar keupayaan pasukan penyelamat tempatan.

CYBERJAYA: The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) returned home to a hero's welcome this evening after completing their search and rescue (SAR) mission in Myanmar.

They were reunited with their families in an emotional gathering at their headquarters in Pulau Meranti, here.

As the convoy rolled into the base, family members who had been waiting eagerly rushed forward with cheers and tears, embracing their loved ones who had spent over a week in the disaster-stricken region.

The 50-member team had earlier landed at the Subang Air Base at 5pm aboard two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Airbus A400M aircraft, bringing home 31 tonnes of rescue equipment and vehicles.

Their return was welcomed by Armed Forces Chief General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaafar and National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, along with representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Nadma and the armed forces.

Nadma deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Dr Abdul Gapar Abu Bakar said the MAS-01 SMART team said upon arrival, all team members underwent health screenings and were reported to be in good physical and mental condition.

"The team, which arrived in Myanmar on March 30, was deployed to the Sagaing sector, where they were the only international SAR team assigned.

"During their deployment, the team operated at 11 worksites, many of which involved complex collapsed structures that local rescuers were unable to access.

"The team's efforts led to the rescue of a 47-year-old man who had been buried for more than 72 hours at one of the sites. They also recovered the bodies of 10 other victims, including four children," he said at a press conference at the SMART headquarters, here.

He added that the team worked tirelessly under extremely hot weather conditions and frequent aftershocks throughout the mission.

He also praised the elite rescue team for their resilience, expertise, rapid deployment capabilities and the use of advanced equipment, adding that their success further strengthened Malaysia's reputation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

He said the team's sacrifice was even more meaningful as they were deployed just a day before Hari Raya Aidilfitri on April 1.

"Their performance demonstrated Malaysia's unwavering commitment to humanity and regional solidarity in disaster management," he said.

​On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with the epicenter near Mandalay.

As of yesterday, reports said the death toll has risen to at least 3,471, with thousands more injured and many still missing.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has called on more companies to offer support to victims of last week's gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, which destroyed or damaged more than 200 homes.

The Prime Minister's political secretary Datuk Azman Abidin said additional contributions from the private sector would help ease the burden on affected families, many of whom are still displaced.

"Of the 219 families who received the aid, those whose homes were destroyed were given RM5,000, while families with partially damaged homes received RM2,500," he told reporters after distributing the initial assistance to victims at the Bukit Lanchong Community Hall here Monday (April 7).

Earlier in his speech, Azman said the assistance was promised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week.

"We know residents are anxious about returning home and being compensated, but rest assured, the government and Petronas are actively working on solutions," he added.

One recipient, A. Puspagaran, said the support, though modest, offered some relief.

"I've lived in my house for 13 years and lost everything," said the bank automation executive, who is now staying with his in-laws.

"It's a total loss, but this shows the government cares. I just hope the rebuilding can begin soon," he said.

The explosion last Tuesday (April 1) morning sent flames more than 30m into the air and temperatures soared to 1,000°. It took nearly eight hours to bring the blaze under control.

A total of 81 homes were destroyed, another 81 were partially damaged, while 57 homes were affected but not burned. The remaining 218 homes in the area were unscathed. - Bernama