On March 22, 2009, MERCY Malaysia handed over its first post Cyclone Nargis pilot project the Chaung Hypar Sub-rural Health Centre in Dedaye Township to the Government of Myanmar. The project was fully funded by the Government of Malaysia from the fund collected for the Cyclone Nargis victims under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Disaster Fund. The total cost for the construction of the health centre was US$ 58,000.
The guests of honour of the event was H.E Major General Soe Naing, Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar; H.E Dato’ Mazlan Muhammad, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Union of Myanmar and Madam Raja Riza, EXCO Member of MERCY Malaysia.
H.E Dato’ Mazlan Muhammad in his speech underscored the need for such health care centre in Myanmar especially in rural area which could also be used as a shelter in time of any disaster. He also said that the Chaung Hypar Sub-rural Health Centre not only demonstrates the caring heart of the people of Malaysia but it also reflects on the cooperation and bilateral relation exists between Malaysia and Myanmar.
On 2 May 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck the coast of Myanmar. Over two days, the Cyclone moved across the Ayeyarwady Delta and southern Yangon Division resulting in a tragic loss of life and widespread of destruction. An estimated 140,000 people were killed, 800,000 displaced and 450,000 houses were destroyed.
The Chaung Hypar Sub-rural Health Centre is another project of humanitarian assistance by people of Malaysia.
