ISTANBUL

Malaysia called on all parties in Myanmar on Monday to maintain a ceasefire to ensure the safety of aid workers following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on March 28.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a phone call with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh, according to Vietnam News. The two sides discussed the situation in quake-hit Myanmar.

“We agreed that humanitarian assistance to all Myanmar citizens must continue without restrictions,” Anwar wrote on X.

“In this regard, it is important for all parties to continue the ceasefire to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.

“Malaysia is committed to continuing to strengthen regional and international relations based on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation and common prosperity,” he added

According to Myanmar Now, the death toll in Myanmar as of Saturday from the earthquake had risen to 3,769, with 5,106 injured and 107 missing.

The ceasefire agreement between Myanmar's junta regime and armed rebels began in early April, in the aftermath of the March 28 earthquake, which wreaked havoc in the country.

Northern Myanmar has seen intense clashes between ethnic armed rebels and the junta in recent months, displacing thousands of residents.

Myanmar has been under military rule since a coup in February 2021.​​​​​​​