TWO Royal Malaysian Air Force A400 Airbus aircraft, carrying 50 Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) members, are set to depart for the Mandalay region in Myanmar following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025.
This deployment, coordinated by Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), aims to support humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the affected area, where the death toll has risen to 1,644, with 3,408 injured and 139 still missing as of March 30, 2025.
Among the rescuers are Fire and Rescue Department Corporals Avlyanie Moidi and Nik Mohd Farihan Nik Zawawi, both 28.
Avlyanie, a mother of a two-year-old from Sabah with nine years of service, and Nik Mohd Farihan, a father of three from Kelantan with 13 years of service, are embarking on their first international missions.
Despite leaving families behind during the festive season, both expressed their commitment to duty and helping those in need.
Malaysian leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, have voiced solidarity with Myanmar, emphasising Malaysia’s support for the Asean neighbor’s recovery efforts.
The SMART team, internationally recognised for its expertise, will focus on the worst-hit areas to provide critical assistance. —Mar 30, 2025
Main image: Wikipedia
