Malaysia Commends AHA Centre's Prompt Response To Myanmar Earthquake

GENERAL
By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar
JAKARTA, April 21 (Bernama) – 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.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Express

27 minutes ago

• Daily Express

Integrity must be embedded in all levels of Sabah's administration: Tun Musa

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Musa confers Sabah's highest state award, the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), on Jahid. - fotoBERNAMA KOTA KINABALU: Integrity must be upheld across all levels of administration and leadership in Sabah to maintain public trust in government institutions, said Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman. He said it is his aspiration to see the state governed with integrity, accountability and wisdom, supported by sustainable development plans that prioritise the people's well-being. 'I believe with strong leadership and the support of the people, Sabah will continue to grow and prosper,' he said in a special address in conjunction with his 74th official birthday here today. He delivered the address at the 2025 Sabah Investiture Ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu, where 60 individuals received state awards, medals and honours. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other state leaders. Tun Musa emphasised the need to strengthen development efforts to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress, through close cooperation between the government and the people. Advertisement He also stressed the importance of addressing global challenges through progressive approaches, including the promotion of technological innovation, development of quality human capital, and the building of a resilient economy 'Building a dynamic and competitive society is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state's development,' he said. He further called for continued unity among the people, describing it as the foundation for peace and progress in Sabah. Tun Musa also commended Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his Cabinet for their commitment to advancing the state in line with a more inclusive and sustainable development agenda. Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim led today's honours list after being conferred the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), which carries the title 'Datuk Seri Panglima'. Businessmen Datuk Ahmad Fuad Md Ali and Datuk Albert Lim Yu Ming were also awarded the SPDK. A total of 37 individuals received the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK), which confers the title 'Datuk'. Among the recipients were Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Dr Fuziah Salleh and Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang. Other PGDK recipients included Senator Anna Bell@Suzieana Perian, Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim, Amanah Sabah chairman Lahirul Latigu, Kota Kinabalu High Court Judge Alexander Siew How Wai, Sabah Special Branch chief SAC Abdul Rahman Ishak, State Health director Dr Maria Suleiman, and veteran journalist Emin Madi of Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Sabah Bureau. The first session of the investiture ceremony also saw five individuals receiving the Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK), four each receiving the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK) and Bintang Setia Kinabalu (BSK), and six receiving the Justice of the Peace (JP) title. Earlier, Musa, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, attended the parade held in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah at Padang Merdeka. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Barnama

an hour ago

• Barnama

Foreign Claims Dismissed, Sabah's Sovereignty Remains Intact

KOTA KINABALU, June 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's success in fending off foreign claims over Sabah reaffirms the state's sovereignty under the Federation of Malaysia and offers assurance and relief to the people of Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed gratitude to the federal government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the government's commitment to protecting the rights and sovereignty of the state. He said that the state government greatly values the various forms of assistance and initiatives provided by the federal government, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. 'The strong ties and close cooperation with the federal government will continue to be upheld to ensure that Sabah is not left behind in national development,' he said. Hajiji said this in his address at the 2025 Sabah State Honours and Awards investiture ceremony held at Istana Seri Kinabalu today, where 60 individuals were conferred state honours, awards and medals by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman. Hajiji also gave his assurance that the implementation of inclusive and comprehensive development policies under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap will be further enhanced as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the progress and well-being of Sabahans. He said that since its introduction, the road map has had a significant impact, particularly in areas such as economic recovery, investment, agriculture, human capital development, and the overall well-being of the people. He added that the state government is focusing on the development of the agricultural sector, which plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in Sabah, noting that the key initiatives include the establishment of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) and the launch of the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP), aimed at raising the state's rice self-sufficiency level from the current 24 per cent to 60 per cent by 2030. Hajiji also said the state government has approved the establishment of the Sabah TVET Council to coordinate and monitor technical and vocational education and training in line with current industry needs.

New Straits Times

an hour ago

• New Straits Times

4.8 million Sara recipients use MyKad to buy essential items

GEORGE TOWN: A total of 4.8 million out of 5.4 million recipients of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid have used their MyKad to purchase basic necessities at registered premises nationwide as of this month. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said Perlis recorded the highest usage rate at 94 per cent, followed by 93 per cent in Sabah and Kedah, while Penang recorded 88 per cent. She said the figures reflect the growing effectiveness of the initiative, supported by various awareness and promotional efforts at both federal and state levels. "The ministry will continue to strengthen awareness campaigns to ensure more people benefit from this government aid, which is aimed at easing their financial burden. "We have also significantly expanded the number of recipients from 700,000 to 5.4 million since April," she told reporters during a Sara outreach programme at a hypermarket here today. At the event, Lim met with 100 Sara recipients in Penang as part of the ministry's effort to engage directly with urban communities. She said to date, 3,700 retail premises have registered under the programme nationwide, enabling recipients to shop closer to home. In Penang alone, 190 such premises are available. Lim added that since May 1, the programme was enhanced by expanding the list of eligible items to 14 categories, including household and personal hygiene products, medicines, and school supplies like uniforms and shoes. The maximum Sara aid for 2025 has been raised to RM2,100 from RM1,200 — a 75 per cent increase, she said. In total, the combined allocation for the Sara and Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) programmes has been raised to RM13 billion this year, marking the highest cash aid provision in the country's history. – BERNAMA Nation Feb 8, 2025 @ 12:40am Octogenarian rides pillion 20km to buy essentials after receiving Sara aid Nation Feb 5, 2025 @ 11:41pm Govt expands Sara programme, enhancing access for 700,000 recipients Nation Apr 6, 2025 @ 7:43pm Sara aid a lifeline for families coping with post-Raya expenses Nation Jan 14, 2025 @ 9:07am [EXPLAINER] Sara aid: Direct financial aid through MyKad