Ministry ready to offer psychosocial support to families of Malaysians affected by Nepal disaster

PUTRAJAYA: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is prepared to offer psychosocial support and assistance to the families of Malaysians impacted by the disaster in Nepal, should the need arise. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri clarified that the ministry currently awaits updates from the Foreign Ministry before coordinating any aid.

She emphasized that the ministry cannot operate independently and must collaborate with the Foreign Ministry to ascertain the specific requirements of the affected families. The ministry must proceed through the Foreign Ministry. They were informed that if assistance is required, they will be notified. The ministry will work together with the Foreign Ministry.

Nancy highlighted that the support services the ministry can provide include counselling and welfare assistance to aid affected families in coping with the situation. Yesterday, the cabinet was briefed by the Foreign Ministry that 77 Malaysians, found safe in Tibet and Nepal following catastrophic floods last week, were being transported to Kathmandu for repatriation to Malaysia.

Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil noted that another 55 citizens remained missing. He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had approved a $1 million contribution to aid humanitarian efforts in the region.