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.
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.
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, 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 said.
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
5 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Wednesday (June 4, 2025)
Malaysia * Anwar: It was never about immunity * High Court denies Anwar's request to refer questions to Federal Court * King, Queen grace Royal Tea Reception at Istana Negara * Former TV station employee faints while facing 743 data tampering charges * Man crushed to death while repairing excavator in Kundasang * Police receive seven reports after 80 haj pilgrims stranded at KLIA * Daim family assets frozen to prevent disposal during probe, says MACC * Man jailed 30 months, fined RM1,500 for breaking into ex-Kedah MB's home * Sibu accountant loses RM50,000 to online investment scam * Tangkak murder victim's mum had 'bad feeling' a month before tragedy * Wildlife threat surges in Kuala Krai, 28 complaints filed since January * Actor nabbed for alleged sexual assault of teen * MMEA detains Malaysian-registered vessel crewed illegally by foreigners * Penang man loses more than RM1.3mil to online scam * No complex legal questions in Muhyiddin's sedition case, prosecution argues * Malaysia to keep strengthening role as global halal hub, says Mohd Sabu * War of words between GRS, Sabah BN hots up with allegations of betrayal, broken promises * Platform doors at all train stations after June 3 fatal incident * FRU crash tragedy: Probe findings to be presented to Cabinet next week, says Loke * Tun Daim's widow to contest asset freeze order * Malaysia to intensify promotion of hidden gems for Visit Malaysia 2026 * New committee to address financial irregularities, says Anwar * Foreign man dies after falling onto LRT track in Puchong * Sixteen people escape unhurt in accident with lorry carrying fish Singapore * Singapore and Philippines to expand collaboration in renewable energy, sustainability and healthcare * Man who made bomb threat while on plane bound for Abu Dhabi to be charged * A year's jail for maid who bit, choked 90-year-old woman with dementia in Singapore * 106 nabbed, S$7.7mil seized in Singapore in transnational anti-scam operation * Singaporean businessman nabbed before flight at Bangkok airport over suspected tax evasion * How to ensure my car is VEP-ready for entry into Malaysia before July 1 * ByteDance food poisoning case: Eatery chain charged, chicken dish allegedly had bacteria * Singapore to acquire 0.79ha of Malaysia-owned land for Woodlands Checkpoint extension * New Toto game with fixed prizes to start in Singapore with June 12 draw * Woodlands Checkpoint extension works to begin in Q3 2025, more private land to be acquired * Full enforcement of VEP to begin on July 1 Indonesia * Couple publicly flogged in Indonesia for sex outside marriage * Kluivert confident Indonesia will edge China in World Cup qualifier * Indonesian, French firms partner up to develop efuels * Indonesian jailed for Bali bombing starts coffee business * Bali to clamp down on illegal foreign-owned businesses * Indonesia issues warning over Covid-19 surge in Asia * Indonesia vows to provide US tariff preferences before June talks * Haj visa cancellations spark concerns Thailand * Thai PM Paetongtarn mulls cabinet reshuffle, awaits right timing * Over 14,000 people killed in motorcycle accidents in Thailand last year, bikers urged to wear crash helmets * Thailand chooses Swedish Gripen jets over F-16s for its air force * Coalition crisis forces Thai cabinet shake-up to contain unrest * Covid-19 cases surge in Thailand, over 28,000 new cases in two days Philippines * Top Philippine senator to seek dismissal of Duterte impeachment case * President Marcos retains 21 more agency heads after call for courtesy resignations * 'Rested' Pacquiao relishing boxing comeback at 46 * Major rice importer eyes new supply sources Vietnam * Vietnam faces scrutiny over fake milk and lax food safety rules * Health Ministry urges sugary drink tax as consumption soars in Vietnam * Vietnam ends two-child policy as birth rate hits record low Myanmar * Myanmar aims to export 1.83 million tonnes of beans and pulses in 2025-26 FY Cambodia * Cambodia hosts youth conference on climate change * Thailand calls for bilateral talks on border issue, as Cambodia prepares ICJ case Laos * Laos eyes more Malaysian investments Brunei * Bruneian man imprisoned 20 months for auto thefts * Brunei underscores unity, resilience at Asean Customs meeting * Brunei Sultan returns home after hospital admission in Kuala Lumpur Aseanplus * Continuity or reset? Japan, China seek clues to S. Korea President Lee Jae-myung's foreign policy * Jun Hao reaches second round, Aaron-Wooi Yik bows out * India sets date of population and caste census * HK actress Lana Wong, 94, lives on RM2K legal aid monthly allowance as savings dip below RM5K * Beijing slams Rubio 'attack' on China after Tiananmen Square remarks * Deadly stampede at India cricket celebrations * Pearly-Thinaah overcame Taiwan's Shuo-yan-Chien-hui in Indonesian Open first round * G-Dragon, Le Sserafim, Babymonster push on with overseas concerts amid Covid-19 surge in Asia * Malaysian actor Zhang Yaodong spotted manning steamed seafood stall at kopitiam in Singapore * Japanese mother of abductee frustrated by lack of resolution to issue; no abductees have returned to Japan from North Korea since 2002 * Bangladesh says India pushes back 1,200 people * Fuel prices June 5-11: RON97, diesel down 3sen, RON95 unchanged * Good news as two men's doubles pairs assured of q-finals spots * Bursa Malaysia rebounds to close higher on bargain hunting * Malaysia prepares to assume UN-Habitat presidency, eyes broader urban development role * 238 undocumented migrants held in Sandakan raids * Around 100 dead cats found at Japan woman's home * Japan scientists develop plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours * Xi vows to strengthen ties with S. Korea after Lee's election: CCTV * China really wants to attract talented scientists, and Trump just helped * Australia cracks down on crypto ATMs as scams, fraud uncovered * China universities on the rise in Global 2000 rankings * FBM KLCI erases earlier gains as lacklustre momentum prevails * M'sia, Guinea-Bissau extend ties with focus on halal industry, Islamic finance and energy * Japan must pursue payment innovation as society becomes cash-less, BOJ official says * Asean manufacturing sector records slight uptick in May amid challenging conditions - S&P Global * Global airline association seeks to address growing problem of in-flight theft * Australian accused in mushroom murders recounts fatal lunch * China's top diplomat urges US to put relations on 'right track' * South Korea's new leader vows to 'heal wounds' with nuclear-armed North * Asian stocks track Wall St up after jobs data, Seoul surges on Lee win * Japan PM Ishiba vows to 'energise' S. Korea cooperation under new leader Lee * M'sia-Russia ties to deepen with upcoming joint meeting, says Zambry * North Korea pulls capsized warship upright after botched launch, report says * South Korea's new leader to seek more time for US trade talks: Analysis * Richard Marx to hold concert in Genting Highlands on Aug 16 * Malaysia and UK form joint committee to boost franchise cooperation * 500,000 UK tourist target for Visit Malaysia 2026, says Zahid * Global alarms rise as China's critical mineral export curbs takes hold * Ringgit strengthens against greenback as Trump administration pushes disruptive trade policies * HK actor Peter Pang, who's diagnosed with cancer, continues to work to recoup RM270K in living & medical expenses * Sivasangari storms into British Open quarter-finals * Top retired Chinese general Xu Qiliang dies * Military confirms lost jets * PM quits after losing backing and protests * Over 100 inmates escape during earthquake evacuation shootout * Polio case sets back eradication campaigns * Trump-Xi to talk trade soon * Millions vote in presidential poll * Japan's lower House passes bill to ban online casinos * Swimming-World Aquatics adopts bylaw to stop doping enablers amid Enhanced Games furore * Tennis-Sabalenka calls for marquee women's matches to start later at French Open * South Korea: Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-Myung projected to win Presidency
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Zahid hails London visit as bridge to reinforce Malaysia-UK ties
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described his four-day working visit to the United Kingdom which concluded Wednesday as a bridge to strengthen bilateral relations. Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the visit, filled with discussions and programmes, differed from previous visits as he had the opportunity to personally witness the commitment of students sponsored by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) at University College London (UCL) during a session with them. "…we (delegation) saw their commitment not only to acquiring knowledge but also to acting as catalysts for Generation Z and Generation Alpha. When they come here and gain knowledge, then return to Malaysia, they will contribute not only to their professions but to other fields as well, providing motivation especially to Generation Alpha and the millennial generation," he told a press conference here upon the conclusion of his visit. Additionally, Zahid shared that Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) received very positive feedback from the university and students who were excited about the government's game-changing initiatives. "…we are aware of the government's aim to create 60,000 high-tech engineering job opportunities, and we have requested for the Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes to be expedited," he said. Beyond TVET, the visit also strengthened cooperation in rural development, renewable energy, and climate resilience through Zahid's meeting with the UK's Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed. The meeting also discussed collaboration in rural transformation, disaster management, water security, and investments in green energy, including the reactivation of the Asean Power Grid. During the visit, Malaysia also proposed the use of green sukuk for climate financing and efforts to lead the global halal ecosystem through the World Halal Council and a unified halal logo. Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade relations under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and through private sector cooperation. Through the Malaysia-UK franchise business dialogue held during the visit, Ahmad Zahid expressed hope that it would help Malaysian franchise brands penetrate the UK market by 2026. Zahid also expressed confidence that the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VMY2026) in the UK would expand collaboration with UK industry players, including airlines, to attract more UK tourists to Malaysia.
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Singapore and Philippines to expand collaboration in renewable energy, sustainability and healthcare
MANILA: Singapore and the Philippines will deepen their collaboration in several areas, including renewable energy, sustainability, healthcare and civil service development. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced this at a joint press conference on Wednesday (June 4), the first day of an introductory visit to Manila by PM Wong. At the press conference at Malacanang Palace following their meeting, PM Wong thanked President Marcos for his invitation to visit and said the bilateral relationship 'has never been better'. 'It is a partnership that has been carefully nurtured over the decades by successive generations of leaders and officials,' he said. 'It is built on a high degree of mutual trust and respect, and it has enabled mutually beneficial cooperation over a wide range of areas, for example in trade and investments.' On renewable energy, the two countries agreed to deepen both bilateral and regional cooperation, and to accelerate efforts towards realising the Asean power grid. This is a plan to connect the electricity networks of the group's 10 member countries to enable cross-border power trading by 2045. Marcos said Singapore will continue to be a major partner in the Philippines' aspiration to diversify its energy sources, and hailed the robust ties between the two countries. PM Wong said Singapore companies are interested in renewable energy in the Philippines, including solar and wind projects. 'Such projects can generate economic opportunities for the Philippines, while supporting the Philippines' renewable energy targets,' he added. On the sustainability front, the two countries are working to finalise a legally binding implementation agreement for cross-border carbon credit transfers that is aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement governs international cooperation to tackle climate change, and includes guidelines for countries to trade carbon credits to meet their climate targets. An implementation agreement will facilitate commercial participation in carbon credit projects, which can spur technology transfer, green investment and create good jobs, said PM Wong. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is on an official visit to the Philippines on June 4, 2025, on invitation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, where the two countries agreed to deepen collaboration on energy, sustainability and healthcare. The two leaders also said their respective health ministries are exploring ways to deepen health cooperation, such as in upskilling and the reintegration of returning Filipinos into the Philippine healthcare system. Marcos expressed his appreciation that Singapore has ensured the welfare, safety and security of the over 200,000 Filipinos working in the city state, while PM Wong said Singapore is committed to being a good second home for them. 'They live and work in Singapore, contributing to our economy and society and enriching our cultural diversity,' said PM Wong. 'I conveyed to the President Singapore's appreciation for their invaluable contributions, especially the Filipino healthcare workers who stood with us during the Covid-19 pandemic.' Marcos noted that the two sides are working to conclude an agreement on health cooperation and a digital leadership programme between the Philippine Civil Service Commission and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Besides NUS' leadership programme, PM Wong said Temasek Foundation has also been active in the healthcare space in Taguig City – which is to the east of Manila – and the two countries will continue to step up cooperation in this field. Both countries also agreed to work 'shoulder to shoulder' at the Asean level, so as to accelerate regional integration and unlock the grouping's full potential, said PM Wong. The Philippines can count on Singapore's full support for its Asean chairmanship in 2026, he added. 'We will coordinate closely, because Singapore takes over from the Philippines the Asean chairmanship the following year,' he said. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is on an official visit to the Philippines on June 4, 2025, on invitation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, where the two countries agreed to deepen collaboration on energy, sustainability and healthcare. During their meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the excellent bilateral ties between the two countries, exchanged views on regional and global developments, and underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation towards a more resilient Asean, said Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. At an official dinner held in his honour, PM Wong noted that this was his first bilateral visit since Singapore's recent general election, and also his first visit to the Philippines as prime minister. Mrs Wong and Mrs Louise Araneta-Marcos were also at the dinner. He said the visit came as the two countries have become more connected than ever, having signed an upgraded Singapore-Philippines air service agreement in May 2024. The agreement, which raised the number of code-share services between the two countries by Singapore and Philippine airlines from 35 to up to 150 flights, will enable more exchanges between the two peoples, said PM Wong. 'The Singapore-Philippines partnership is built on firm and growing connections between our countries,' he said in a toast speech. 'And I look forward to working with President Marcos Jr to take it to even greater heights.' - The Straits Times/ANN
