Anwar orders National Security Council, Nadma and Foreign Ministry to step up aid for Malaysians in India, Nepal

In a significant development, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered the National Security Council (MKN), National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), and the Foreign Ministry to intensify their efforts in providing aid to Malaysian nationals stranded in India and Nepal. Anwar, after inaugurating the National Innovation and Commercialisation Expo (Nice 2026) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, emphasized the urgent need for these agencies to swiftly identify and reach out to Malaysian diplomatic missions in both nations to expedite assistance.

The directive follows the devastating earthquake in Nepal, which triggered severe flash floods in the border area between Nepal and Tibet, resulting in over 157 fatalities. As authorities in Nepal continue their search and rescue operations, the situation remains dire, with more than 50 Malaysian travelers still unaccounted for. Mohd Firdaus Azman, the charge d’affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu, informed Bernama that these individuals are currently unreachable following the incident.

In response to the crisis, Anwar announced that the government is taking immediate measures to ensure the welfare and safety of Malaysians affected by the earthquake and subsequent floods. The Malaysian diplomatic missions in the impacted countries will be contacted to facilitate efforts to locate and assist those stranded in India and Nepal. Anwar's swift response underscores the government's commitment to addressing the needs of its citizens in distress overseas.