He said the Myanmar government had requested the postponement as they were still identifying a safe and strategic location for the hospital’s operations, which was part of Malaysia’s humanitarian aid efforts following the devastating earthquake on March 28.

The team was scheduled to depart yesterday.

“The area we are heading to is hostile and dangerous.

“We will be deploying many surgeons and medical teams from the armed forces’ hospital, so their safety is our priority,” he told reporters after visiting the Batu Tiga polling centre here today.

Mohamad said he had contacted his counterpart, U Than Swe, to state that Malaysia would not compromise on the safety of its citizens.

Mohamad also said the humanitarian mission was not a reflection of Malaysia’s recognition of the current Myanmar government, but was instead aimed at helping the people affected by the earthquake.

On Tuesday, defence minister Khaled Nordin said the armed forces would set up a field hospital in Myanmar, with medical teams scheduled for deployment on Wednesday (yesterday).