SUBANG: Two Royal Malaysian Air Force A400 Airbus aircraft, each carrying 25 Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) members are waiting to depart for the Mandalay region in Myanmar, where a massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck on Saturday (March 28).
The 50 rescuers is Malaysia's response under the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to support humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the disaster-struck area.
Among those heading to Myanmar is Fire and Rescue Department Corporal Avlyanie Moidi, 28.
"I have been involved in rescue operations around the country before but this is my first one abroad," she said.
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Avlyani, who is the mother of a two-year-old boy from Tuaran, Sabah, has served five years with the Fire and Rescue Department and another four as a SMART member at its Pulau Meranti base.
"I have a family and am leaving just before the festive season – but duty comes first. I will serve my role as a rescuer," she said.
Another, Fire and Rescue Department Corporal Nik Mohd Farihan Nik Zawawi, 28, who became a SMART member in 2021.
The father of three young children said he was honoured to be able to serve the nation and help others in need despite it being the festive season.
ALSO READ: Quake toll hits more than 1,000
"We have to put that aside. What is most important is for us to serve the nation and help those in need," he said.
Nik Mohd Farihan, from Kota Baru, Kelantan said he joined the Fire and Rescue Department in 2012 and this would be his first rescue mission abroad.
The internationally renowned team will head to the worst-hit areas, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a Facebook post on Saturday (March 29).
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep concern over the devastation caused by the quake and extended condolences to everyone affected.
He reaffirmed Malaysia's solidarity with Asean neighbours and the country's readiness to support ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts.
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