A 69-MEMBER medical team from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) has been deployed to Myanmar as part of a humanitarian relief mission under Operation Starlight III, following a catastrophic earthquake that struck the country on 28 March.
Lieutenant General Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh, Director-General of ATM Health Services, said the team comprises 16 officers and 53 personnel from a range of specialisations, including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (FAST) from the Malaysian Field Hospital and an element from the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD).
The contingent, led by Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad, has brought vital equipment including a Level Two Field Hospital, medical and communications kits, technical gear, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and two trucks with an 18-tonne capacity.
“The plan is to operate the field hospital for one month, and after that, we will conduct an assessment based on field observations to determine any further needs,” said Dr Zulkeffeli during the send-off ceremony held at Subang Air Base.
He stated that the intended location for the Field Hospital is the Sagaing area in Myanmar, although this may change depending on conditions on the ground.
Dr Zulkeffeli noted that the team took 72 hours to prepare for deployment, with security, and the limited availability of water and electricity in the target area among the factors taken into consideration.
“For security factors, the Myanmar government has ensured that the area where we are deployed is safe,” he added.
The team departed from Subang Air Base aboard two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Airbus A400M aircraft, which left at 4.45am and 5.15am respectively. Both flights were scheduled to arrive at Mandalay International Airport at 7.30am and 8.00am (Malaysian time) the same day.
Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan confirmed that medical treatment would begin immediately upon the team’s arrival in the Sagaing district.
He acknowledged the challenges expected in the disaster-hit areas but said morale remained high among those deployed.
“Despite the anticipated difficulties on the ground, all officers and members of Operation Starlight III remain highly motivated to carry out their duties, in line with the mandate entrusted to them by the Prime Minister as ASEAN Chairman,” he said.
Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had announced the deployment of ATM medical personnel to support relief efforts in Myanmar. The field hospital’s capacity will be determined in coordination with other ASEAN member states that have also set up facilities in the affected regions.
On 5 April, the Defence Minister made a one-day visit to Myanmar to coordinate Malaysia’s humanitarian response.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously announced, on 30 March, that Malaysia would contribute RM10 million in initial humanitarian aid to support Myanmar’s recovery efforts.
According to the Myanmar Meteorological and Hydrological Department, the country has experienced 109 aftershocks since the initial 7.7-magnitude earthquake and a subsequent 6.4-magnitude tremor on 28 March.
The disaster has so far claimed over 3,603 lives, left more than 4,817 injured, and 141 people remain missing. An estimated 9 million individuals, including 2.7 million children, across 58 townships in East Bago, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Southern Shan, and Sagaing regions, have been severely affected. – April 18, 2025
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