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

KUALA LUMPUR: In a heartbreaking plea, Manivannan Rethinam, whose sister Komathi is among 51 Malaysians uncontactable after landslides and floods on the Nepal-Tibet border, implores for their return. Manivannan is the voice of Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (Masfih), a support group for families in a similar situation. The families are growing increasingly anxious over the lack of updates from authorities and delays in deploying the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart).

Despite understanding the delay, they remain frustrated, fearing the slim chances of finding their loved ones alive. Komathi, one of the victims, had joined more than 20 Malaysians on a religious trip to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Her last message to her husband was on the day of the tragedy, and distressing videos of the mudslide showed her exact location.

The family has tried contacting her via WhatsApp, but messages have gone undelivered. Komathi's husband is emotionally strained, and Manivannan laments that only a miracle could bring her back. The families, however, refuse to give up, hoping for solid evidence to validate their prayers. They further appeal to the government to use all diplomatic channels to accelerate Smart deployment in Nepal.