Nay Pyi Taw, March 30

In response to the severe earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, causing significant damage and losses within the country, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Prime Minister of the Myanmar, today spoke by phone with Dato’ Seri Haji Anwar bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, who is also the current ASEAN Chair. This was reported in an official statement released by the SAC.

During the call, the Malaysian Prime Minister, in his capacity as both the leader of Malaysia and the ASEAN Chair, expressed deep sorrow over the destruction and losses in Myanmar. He mentioned that earlier this morning, Malaysia had dispatched a rescue team via aircraft. Additionally, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister had held a video conference with other ASEAN foreign ministers to discuss how ASEAN member states, as part of the ASEAN family, could collaborate and provide assistance in a spirit of friendship and solidarity.

The Senior General expressed gratitude for the concern shown by the Malaysian Prime Minister, both in his role as ASEAN Chair and as the leader of Malaysia, for reaching out by phone regarding the situation in Myanmar. He also thanked Malaysia for its assistance, noting that with the support of the AHA Centre, rescue teams from Singapore had already arrived in Myanmar yesterday and were carrying out their duties. He stated that Myanmar continues to conduct search and rescue operations, with the current death toll at around 1,700, approximately 3,400 injured, and nearly 300 still missing. He added that the number of fatalities could rise further and that the situation remains fluid. The Senior General emphasized his appreciation for the support extended by Malaysia and other ASEAN member states during this difficult time, expressing gratitude to the ASEAN community as a whole.

In response, the Malaysian Prime Minister stated that Myanmar and Malaysia have long enjoyed close and friendly relations. As such, Malaysia is committed to providing the best possible assistance. He further mentioned that Malaysia’s Foreign Minister would be sent to Myanmar to assess the ground situation and determine how additional aid could be provided.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged Malaysia as a country with strong ties of friendship with Myanmar and welcomed the upcoming visit of Malaysia’s Foreign Minister. He reiterated Myanmar’s commitment to constructive cooperation within the ASEAN community and expressed deep appreciation for the support and solidarity shown by Malaysia, both as a nation and as the ASEAN Chair. He emphasized that such gestures greatly strengthened Myanmar and that he, along with the people of Myanmar, were deeply grateful.

These conversations were outlined in the official press release