Deputy minister presses Wisma Putra for hotline, briefings as 91 Malaysians missing in Nepal‑China

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 — Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran has called for the establishment of a dedicated hotline and briefing system at Wisma Putra to keep the families of 91 Malaysians unaccounted for since a disaster struck the Nepal-China border informed. The proposed centre should include a 24-hour hotline, case reference numbers, and assigned liaison officers for each family to ensure they are continuously updated without having to reach out to multiple agencies.

Yuneswaran also suggested daily briefings at consistent times, even if no new information is available, to alleviate the stress and anxiety of the families. The current count stands at 55 Malaysians in Nepal and 36 in China being uncontactable, figures that are still under verification to prevent any duplication. This group includes tourists, climbers, pilgrims at Mount Kailash, and two officers from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department.

Yuneswaran emphasized the need for intensified coordination among various agencies, including Wisma Putra, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), JBPM, Nepalese and Chinese authorities, travel agencies, and telecommunications companies. The aim is to verify travel manifests, passport numbers, routes, and the last known locations of the missing.

He also proposed providing psychosocial support to the families, along with assistance with documentation, travel, and logistics. It was urged that the public refrain from sharing unverified information, photographs, or figures to avoid confusion and further distress.