Malaysia commends AHA centre's prompt response to Myanmar earthquake
JAKARTA: Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, has commended the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) for its prompt response in managing the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Myanmar late last month.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia also welcomes the activation of the response mechanism under the Standard Operating Procedures for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations (SASOP), which facilitates the deployment of regional assets and humanitarian support.
Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs Malaysia's National Disaster Management Committee, said the prompt and effective coordination clearly demonstrates the AHA Centre's vital role in ASEAN's collective disaster response framework.
'The regional solidarity shown by all ASEAN member states through the deployment of search and rescue teams, humanitarian aid, and essential supplies clearly reflects the strong ASEAN spirit,' he said.
He was speaking during his visit to the headquarters of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the AHA Centre here on Monday.
According to the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council, the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 claimed 3,726 lives, injured 5,105 people, and left 129 still unaccounted for as of April 18.
The tremors were also felt in neighbouring countries including Thailand.
Ahmad Zahid further emphasised the importance of upholding the 'One ASEAN, One Response' principle, saying it must go beyond rhetoric and be reflected in joint actions by ASEAN nations during times of disaster.
Commenting on the visit, Ahmad Zahid expressed admiration for BNPB's preparedness, stating that Malaysia's National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) could learn much from its Indonesian counterpart in coordinating emergency response operations.
'While Malaysia has only one Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to respond to all types of disasters, BNPB has SMART teams specialised in various areas such as fires, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and maritime accidents,' he noted.
Ahmad Zahid is currently on a three-day official visit to Indonesia, which concludes tomorrow.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines as at 10pm on Friday (June 6, 2025)
Malaysia: * Engineer loses over RM1.5mil to online investment scam * Anwar expresses hope for Pakistan and India to find peaceful solution * Hadi hints he may step down as PAS president * US judge again halts ban on foreign students at Harvard * PETRONAS job cuts mainly affect contract workers, says Anwar * Malaysia reaffirms commitment to disaster-resilient education through national policy - Ahmad Zahid * FRU crash tragedy: JPJ opens investigation paper on lorry company * E-invoicing deadlines for businesses with revenue below RM5mil revised, says LHDN * S'wak keen on global partnerships in its bid to become a clean energy leader * Abim condemns US veto of UN Security Council's call for Gaza ceasefire * No foul play in death of man hit by LRT train in Puchong, say police * Police complete recording actor-cum-singer's statement over alleged sexual assault * High-rise tragedies show a systemic failure to ensure child safety, says children's commissioner Singapore: * Former senior minister Teo Chee Hean to be next Temasek chairman, taking over from Lim Boon Heng * Four charged over suspected involvement in 'blessing' scams * S$6,000 fine for man who falsely claimed Singapore minister made offensive remarks against Malays * Growing Temasek: Lim Boon Heng's contributions as chairman over the years * S$6k fine for man who falsely claimed Singapore minister made offensive remarks against Malays * Over 200 people investigated for suspected roles in scams in Singapore involving more than RM19.20mil in losses * Queues at VEP application centres in Singapore, JB after news of enforcement from July 1 * Ex-Singapore transport minister S. Iswaran completes home detention scheme, no longer under prison custody * Barge grounded off Tanjong Beach in Singapore's Sentosa, no reports of damage, injuries or pollution: MPA * Hong Kong branch of Singaporean 1880 club in liquidation with HK$20 million debt * Singapore can leverage on its trust premium * Asian equities see largest monthly foreign inflow in 15 months * Oil prices headed for rebound this week as US-China trade talks resume Indonesia: * Joyful aidiladha celebrations in Indonesia, communal spirit at embassy deepens brotherhood * Indonesia may install permanent stairlift at Borobudur Temple: Minister * Economic hardships subdue the mood for Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Haji) in Indonesia this year * Indonesian legendary band Sheila on 7 returns to Malaysian for Latihan Pestapora super concert now at Bukit Jalil * Indonesian diva and pop princess Bunga Citra Lestari all set to bring her love tunes to KLCC on sept 27 * Indonesia wealth fund considers stake in Grab-GoTo deal, Bloomberg News reports * Badminton -- Superb comeback as Tang Jie-Ee Wei reach Indonesian Open semis * Woman thrives in cattle trading dominated by men Thailand: * Thailand conducts evacuation drills in seven border provinces amid tensions with Cambodia * Thai Airways shuts down Thai Smile after 12 years of losses * Thailand to begin trade talks with US — high-level negotiations underway * Thailand inflation remains negative in May; government cuts 2025 forecast * Asean remains a credible partner on global stage, says Thai minister * Thai military prepared for 'high-level operation' if Cambodia border row escalates * Thailand urges positive engagement after Cambodia threatens to take dispute to World Court * M'sia, Thailand tackle flood risks - Countries agree on early warning plan to enhance disaster response Filipino Muslims preparing butchered goats during the celebration of Eid Al-Adha at the Blue Mosque in Taguig, Metro Manila on June 6, 2025. - AFP Philippines: * Holding Sara Duterte trial isn't a choice, it's our constitutional duty, says senator * US military's logistics drill aims to burnish its East Asia crisis response * Philippines' jobless rate rises to 4.1 per cent in April * Filipino actress Michelle Dee bitten in the face by pet dog * Philippines: Sara questions impeachment trial Vietnam: * Cannes-winning film to compete at Danang Asian Film Festival 2025 * US Indo-Pacific commander calls PLA moves in strait 'rehearsals', not exercises * Vietnamese say no to more kids even after two-child limit scrapped; many prefer small family * Tariff War - Washington, Hanoi to fast-track trade negotiations * Vietnam's Vingroup seeks loan to buy KKR's Vinschool stake/ Foreign investment surges in five months Myanmar: * Six-year-old girl among Myanmar group arrested for killing retired general * 75 years of China-Myanmar ties commemorated in Myanmar with emphasis on bilateral cooperation, support Cambodia: * Cambodian troops deploy 12,000 soldiers near Chong Bok border: Source * Cambodia rejects Thai request for withdrawal of border forces * Cambodia's bold pledge to eliminate plastic pollution * Chinese and South-East Asian experts led by Cambodia share dolphin conservation strategies Laos: * Lao PM calls for united efforts to protect the environment * Laos takes steps to enhance irrigation development Brunei: * Malaysia, Brunei boost disaster, security cooperation * Brunei celebrates World Environment Day and its youth leadership * Brunei launches environment platform for youth AseanPlus: * Hong Kong tracks system that may develop into first 2025 typhoon * Japan curry shops see record bankruptcies as rice prices soar * Australian bouncy castle operator cleared over accident that killed six children * Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong charged under Beijing-imposed security law for second time * Australian cities offer free public transport to fill empty seats, ease cost of living pain * US visa hurdles put international students on edge * Japan allows longer nuclear plant lifespans * 'Elon Musk is not the father of my kids': J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki sets the record straight * India vows to keep up development in Kashmir after tourist attack * OECD: America emerges as biggest loser in Trump's trade war * Nepal ex-PM faces graft charge over land deal with Indian yoga guru's firm * Chinese tourist drowns at Pulau Perhentian * Over 70 delegates expected for Asean council meeting on drug menace next week in KL * Local actress Saidah Kamarudin cancels wedding, claims ex has only RM500 in his bank account * Trump says call with Xi produced 'very positive conclusion' * 14 emergency cardiac procedures in Saudi Haj hospital unit * Private lunar lander close to touchdown on moon's far north Models of the lunar lander Resilience (centre, left) and the lunar rover Tenacious (centre, right) operated by Japanese private company ispace are displayed at the Moon landing event venue in Tokyo on June 6, 2025. - AFP * Japan space ambitions dealt another blow after Ispace moon landing fails * Trump and Musk's relationship flames out just as intensely * From bros to foes: how the unlikely Trump-Musk relationship imploded * China's scientists unlock secrets of how early birds conquered the skies and publicly as it started * 'Treated like a criminal': Fury over Hong Kong student's Australian deportation * Harvard speech sparks China debate on elite education access, privilege * Tech giants' indirect emissions rose 150% in three years as AI expands, UN agency says * China's first foreign-owned hospital seeks medical tourists * More leave to address declining birth rates in China * Japan curry shops see record bankruptcies as rice prices soar * Indian police arrest four people for cricket fans stampede * South Korean conservatives looking for rebirth after election loss * Google's new AI-powered search has arrived. Proceed with caution * Is Labubu the next Hello Kitty? Analysts debate Pop Mart's limits * Burning ship abandoned in Pacific carried several Chinese car brands * Hong Kong bank robbery suspect's 'illogical' target sparks online debate * Taiwan's Pegatron says it is in final stage of evaluating US factory plan * 'Man mums' in China sell five-minute hugs for US$7, gain popularity among lonely women * Olympics - US travel ban will not hinder Los Angeles Olympics, LA28 CEO says * Soccer - Japan's Moriyasu mourns end of unbeaten run after loss to Australia * Ex-US envoy to China warns of Beijing involvement in Ukraine-Russia talks * Australian accused in mushroom murders searched for deadly strain before deaths, court hears * Another forced break as Tze Yong goes for knee surgery but he's staying positive * Tennis - Laser-focused Gauff ends Boisson's dream run to reach French Open final * Tennis - Finally conquering Paris clay would mean the world to me, says Sabalenka
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Thai PM thanks Anwar for offer to assist in border dispute
BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has discussed the Thai-Cambodia border situation with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a phone call on Friday, where Anwar expressed readiness to assist both sides in resolving the dispute. "Thank you, PM Anwar Ibrahim, for the call this afternoon to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border situation and to express readiness to help both sides resolve the matter. I reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to a peaceful resolution through existing bilateral mechanisms while safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with international law," she stated on her official X account. Malaysia, as the current Asean chair, is closely monitoring developments on the border issue. Earlier on Friday, after chairing a National Security Council meeting, Paetongtarn announced Thailand had established a special task force to address security concerns along its border with Cambodia. She said the army had been assigned to coordinate operations and maintain readiness to respond to any developments, prioritising sovereignty protection while ensuring international relations and national security. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Supreme Commander General Songwit Noonpakdee, National Security Council Chief Chatchai Bangchuad, and the military's commanders-in-chief. On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops engaged in a brief gunfight in Thailand's north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's northern Preah Vihear province, where one Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed. Cambodia has since announced its intention to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Meanwhile, both countries have agreed to discuss the issue through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which is set to meet in Phnom Penh on June 14.– BERNAMA
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Ahmad Zahid, Fadillah call on Muslims to appreciate the meaning of Aidiladha
KUALA LUMPUR: The celebration of Hari Raya Aidiladha is a profound symbol that teaches the meaning of obedience, sacrifice, and sincerity in carrying out the commands of Allah, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid said the occasion highlights the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Prophet Ismail, who are enduring symbols of unwavering obedience and sacrifice to Allah. "May the spirit of sacrifice continue to be a guiding principle in every aspect of our struggle, whether in the family, in society, or in developing this beloved country," he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, prayed that Aidiladha would bring peace and blessings to all Malaysians, especially those facing life's many challenges. "To the pilgrims currently in the Holy Land, we pray that your worship will be accepted by Allah and that you return as mabrur haji and hajah," he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the story of Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice is not merely historical, but a timeless guide that teaches how every sincere struggle will be rewarded by Allah. He said Aidiladha should serve as a time to express solidarity and love among fellow human beings, especially the poor and those in need, while reflecting the spirit of togetherness and compassion that Islam demands. "May all our acts of worship — including the haj, qurban, and other deeds — be accepted and blessed by Allah. Indeed, no sacrifice is too small in His sight if done with sincere intention. Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha to all Muslims," he said in a Facebook post.
