Kuala Lumpur: The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has been mobilized to participate in search and rescue operations in Myanmar's regions most affected by a recent earthquake, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced. The team is expected to arrive in Yangon by 1 pm today. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia is also organizing humanitarian aid for Thailand, which will be deployed shortly. As a supportive neighbor and member of the ASEAN community, Ahmad Zahid emphasized Malaysia's dedication to assisting countries impacted by the earthquake. Through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Malaysia is committed to enhancing regional cooperation in disaster response, offering expertise, technical resources, and logistical support to ease victims' suffering and hasten recovery. Ahmad Zahid reinforced Malaysia's solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand during this challenging period and vowed to maintain an active role in regional humanitarian effo rts. He expressed condolences for the lives lost and injuries sustained from the earthquake, which centered in Myanmar and affected neighboring Thailand. The disaster caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, with reports of individuals trapped under debris amid ongoing rescue operations in difficult conditions. The Foreign Ministry also stated that Malaysia plans to send two NADMA teams to Myanmar to aid in humanitarian relief and disaster management. An initial assessment team of 10 members is set to depart for Yangon today to offer technical support and conduct on-site evaluations. Another team, consisting of 40 members, will follow tomorrow, focusing on priority areas highlighted in the initial assessment. The United States Geological Survey reported a significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at a depth of 10 kilometers, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock. The tremors were felt in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City.