Families cling to hope as 51 Malaysians remain unreachable after Nepal disaster

KUALA LUMPUR - Even if deceased, families implore authorities to return the bodies of missing Malaysians for closure. Manivannan Rethinam, spokesman for Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (Masfih), pleads with the Malaysian government to expedite the deployment of the Special Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) to Nepal following the recent landslides and floods at the Nepal-Tibet border.

Families are growing increasingly anxious over the delays in receiving updates from the authorities, with the last communication from Wisma Putra occurring a week ago. Manivannan's sister, Komathi, was among 51 Malaysians listed as uncontactable; she had joined over 20 Malaysians on a religious trip to Mount Kailash in Tibet when the tragedy struck. Komathi's final message to her husband was sent on the day of the disaster and her WhatsApp messages remain undelivered, indicating a grave lack of contact.

The families are left with a sense of hopelessness as each passing day reduces the likelihood of finding their loved ones alive. While they understand the need for careful rescue operations, the lack of updates leaves them frustrated. Manivannan stresses that while it may be a miracle for Komathi to return, their families still hope for solid evidence of her safety.

Even if some bodies are not found alive, the families implore the government to use all diplomatic channels to ensure the prompt return of their loved ones' remains to Malaysia for final farewell.