Malaysia called on all factions in Myanmar to uphold a temporary ceasefire to safeguard humanitarian operations following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on 28 March.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reinforced the appeal during a phone discussion with Vietnamese counterpart Phạm Minh Chính, stressing the urgency of unimpeded aid delivery to affected communities.
Anwar, in a post on social media platform X, confirmed both leaders agreed that assistance “must continue without restrictions” and emphasised the need for ongoing truces to protect relief workers.
Malaysia is committed to continuing to strengthen regional and international relations based on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation and common prosperity.
The quake, one of Myanmar’s deadliest in decades, has claimed 3,769 lives, injured 5,106, and left 107 missing as of Saturday, according to local media. The tremor exacerbated existing crises in northern regions, where clashes between the military and ethnic armed groups have displaced thousands since early 2021.
A tentative ceasefire began in early April, prompted by the disaster. However, the agreement remains precarious as Myanmar’s military government, which seized power in a February 2021 coup, faces mounting resistance nationwide. Northern areas, particularly, have witnessed intensified fighting, complicating relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged zones.
