Latest news with #OpStarlightIII
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Armed Forces field hospital team returns from Myanmar humanitarian mission
SHAH ALAM: The Armed Forces field hospital team deployed to Myanmar under Op Starlight III has returned home after completing a 38-day humanitarian mission in the earthquake-hit Sagaing region. The 69-member team, comprising officers and personnel from various specialisations, including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (Fast), Royal Engineers Regiment (Rajd), and security elements, landed at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Subang Air Base at 8.30pm today. The team was welcomed by Armed Forces Headquarters chief of staff, Lieutenant General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, during a homecoming ceremony. Also present were Armed Forces Health Services director-general, Lieutenant General Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh; RMAF air operations commander, Lieutenant General Datuk Masro Kaliwon; and Joint Forces Headquarters chief of dtaff, Major General Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis. Their return marked the completion of a mission to establish and operate the Malaysian Field Hospital, which began full operations on April 21, providing Level 2 medical services to communities affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28. The quake struck Sagaing and five other regions at 12.50pm local time and was followed by a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock that was felt in neighbouring countries, including Thailand. The team was led by Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad, who commanded the operation from Sagaing, where the field hospital was constructed and operated with the support of the RMAF's Airbus A400M aircraft for logistical and medical deployment. Throughout the mission, the field hospital treated 3,562 patients and conducted 493 surgical procedures, delivering vital healthcare services to disaster-stricken communities. Azhan said the success of Op Starlight III reflected Malaysia's strong commitment to humanitarian efforts and regional solidarity. "This mission demonstrates our readiness and capability to respond to regional humanitarian crises. It also reflects the priority placed by the Armed Forces Chief on strengthening defence diplomacy and military cooperation," he said. He added that the Armed Forces' involvement in Myanmar provided tangible humanitarian support while showcasing Malaysia's capabilities in regional and international disaster response, in line with its commitment to upholding Asean unity and prosperity.
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Op Starlight III: Armed forces mark milestone with 2,000 patients treated, historic surgery
KUALA LUMPUR: The armed forces field hospital deployed in Sagaing, Myanmar, as part of Op Starlight III humanitarian mission, has treated its 2,000th patient and successfully performed its first overseas cleft lip and palate surgery. The armed forces said the Malaysian Field Hospital, which is a joint effort between the armed forces and the Defence Ministry, achieved the patient milestone at exactly 11.30am local time (1.30pm Malaysian time), a month after it began operations following a devastating earthquake in the region. The 2,000-patient mark, while significant, also reflected the growing trust and reliance of the local community on Malaysia's medical team to provide critical healthcare services amid a crisis. Meanwhile, field hospital commander Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad said the achievement underscored the efficiency of the field hospital's medical system and the dedication of its personnel. "This proves the effectiveness of the services we've developed, and the strong commitment shown by our medical team in ensuring the best possible care is delivered," he said. He also said the hospital had recorded a groundbreaking achievement by performing a complex three-hour reconstructive surgery on a six-month-old baby with cleft lip and palate, the first such operation conducted overseas by the armed forces. The surgery utilised the mobile operating theatre deployed by the Forward Anaesthesia Surgical Tactical (FAST) team, marking the first time the system was used in a live mission setting. "This surgery sets a new benchmark for the Royal Medical Corps in handling complex surgical procedures during disaster relief operations. "It also proves the readiness of our assets and personnel to respond effectively in various emergencies," he said. The operation was led by plastic surgeon Lieutenant Colonel Dr Muhammad Izzuddin Hamzan, assisted by anaesthetists Lieutenant Colonel Dr Mohd Zaid Abdul Kadir and Lieutenant Colonel Dr Md Ariff Md Yusof. Also part of the surgical team were medical officer Major Dr Amirul Muttaqin Sham, anaesthesia assistant Sergeant Muhamad Aznan Amerudin, surgical assistant Sergeant Atiqah Rahdiani Jasni, and Corporal Noordiana Aziz. On April 18, Malaysia dispatched a medical team from the armed forces to Myanmar as part of a humanitarian relief effort under Op Starlight III, following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last month. The 69-member team comprised 16 officers and 53 members from various specialisations, including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (FAST) from the Malaysian Field Hospital, and an element from the Royal Engineers Regiment. The team, led by Dr Ahmad Farhan, also brought essential equipment, including a Level Two field hospital, medical and communication kits, technical equipment, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and two 18-tonne capacity trucks.
