KL READY TO SEND AID TO LOMBOK

We’ve been ready since first strike, says foreign minister

MALAYSIA is prepared to send an aid and humanitarian mission to Lombok, Indonesia, after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the tourist island on Sunday.

Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said he had contacted his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, and conveyed Malaysia’s sympathy and condolences to the people of the republic.

He said Malaysia was ready to send aid and assistance for the victims in Lombok, which was previously rocked by a 6.4-magnitude quake on July 29.

“We are saddened by both incidents. Our aid and assistance have been on standby since the first strike.

“We are just waiting for a signal from the Indonesian government to send them over,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here yesterday.

Saifuddin said the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta had sent officers to Lombok and contacted over 190 Malaysians in the island to ensure their safety.

“They are all safe.

“We are facilitating efforts to bring all of them home.”

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said he would discuss with Defence Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin on types of immediate aid to be sent to Lombok, including military assets to help in search-and-rescue operations.

The first quake that hit the island claimed the lives of 17 people, including Malaysian climber Siti Nur Ismawida Ismail, 30.

Sunday’s incident claimed the lives of at least 90 people.