‘MYANMAR AID HAMPERED BY CONFLICT’
Humanitarian aid not reaching those in need fast enough, says Mercy Malaysia
THERE is not enough food, water, shelter and medicine in Myanmar after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit the country, and the available humanitarian aid is not reaching those who need it fast enough.
Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, president of humanitarian aid organisation Mercy Malaysia, said the ongoing political conflict in the quake-hit country was complicating relief efforts.
In addition to damaged infrastructure and road blockages, he said, security concerns, restricted access to certain areas and the bureaucratic hurdles for aid convoys and personnel movement were contributing to delays.
“It’s frustrating. The extreme heat is making things worse, especially when it comes to drinking water,” said Faizal.
“Despite these setbacks, we’re doing everything we can to speed up aid delivery.
“We are working closely with relevant authorities and partners to navigate these challenges and ensure aid reaches those who need it.”
While donations have been coming in, he said the support was still insufficient to meet the full scale of the crisis.
“We still need more funding to sustain emergency medical relief,
food and water distribution, and long-term recovery efforts.
“Every contribution makes a difference, and we’ll continue to update the public on how they can help,” he told the New Straits Times.
He said survivors were facing mental health challenges and psychological trauma.
About 27 volunteers and staff members based in Malaysia — covering logistics,
medical, technical and mental health support — are prepared to fly to Myanmar once approvals are granted.
Currently, 13 personnel, including a rapid assessment team and two medical teams stationed in Myanmar, have been deployed to the scene to carry out humanitarian efforts.
A third medical team is on standby.
“We also have a World Health Organisation-certified emergency medical team with a field hospital ready for deployment,” Faizal added.
“The WHO requested it, and we’re ready to deploy as soon as
we get the green light from Myanmar authorities.”
Although Mercy Malaysia supplies its own relief, the organisation also collaborates with local and international partners in Myanmar, including the Malaysian government and the United Nations.
Malaysia has pledged RM10 million in aid for Myanmar.
The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team deployed to Myanmar has been consistently recovering bodies from under the rubble since arriving on March 31.
The death toll has surpassed 3,000.