Anwar: Malaysia coordinating aid to Nepal, may deploy Smart elite rescuers

BUTTERWORTH, Aug 28 — Malaysia is coordinating the provision of aid to Nepal following the catastrophic floods in the nation, with the potential deployment of the Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (Smart) as a possibility, stated Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The prime minister revealed that the National Security Council (MKN) is maintaining close communication with the Nepalese government to ascertain the most suitable form of aid, be it financial assistance or the dispatch of rescue personnel.

"At present, MKN is coordinating the decision on whether to send the Smart team or aid," Anwar informed reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Sembilang here on the same day. Anwar mentioned that numerous countries, including India, China, and Bangladesh, have also extended help in response to the disaster, which he characterized as occurring on an unprecedented scale.

He informed that the Foreign Ministry was acquiring the most recent list of Malaysians in the affected regions, while efforts to establish their status were ongoing. Additionally, Anwar urged the families of Malaysians in the impacted areas to reach out to the Foreign Ministry through the channels provided to facilitate the collection of the latest information.

The Prime Minister had directed all relevant departments, including MKN and the Foreign Ministry, to promptly identify and contact Malaysians affected by the disaster the previous day. The Foreign Ministry had previously stated that 57 Malaysians remained untraceable following the floods at the Nepal-Tibet border regions. The latest count was based on reports received from family members, friends, and employers as of 11 pm on Aug 27, as reported by Bernama.