Malaysian Fire Dept ready to deploy specialist rescue team to Nepal as nine hikers remain uncontactable

Putrajaya, August 28 — The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is prepared to swiftly deploy its Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Malaysia (STORM) team to Nepal if a request is received from the Nepalese government. Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad stated that the team would be ready to move at short notice, citing their experience in a search and rescue mission in Turkey.

However, JBPM cannot yet confirm the location or condition of the nine hikers, including two of their officers, as communication lines remain unavailable. The nine-person team, comprised of experienced hikers, departed on August 24 and aimed to reach the Tibet border on August 26. The last contact was made during breakfast on August 24, with their exact location still uncertain.

Nor Hisham expressed hope for the hikers' safety and emphasized the close communication JBPM is maintaining with family members and Nepalese contacts. Meanwhile, the death toll from floods and landslides in Nepal has reached 389, with 466 injured.