Nepal tragedy: Support group seeks Tamil counsellors for victims’ families

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — Support group Solidariti Malaysia: Keluarga Dalam Harapan (MASFIH) has called upon Tamil-speaking counsellors to assist families of Nepal flash flood victims. Dr R. Manivannan, a representative of MASFIH, highlighted the need for Tamil-speaking counsellors, as most next of kin are elderly and prefer to communicate in their native language.

While free counselling services are offered by Wisma Putra and Mercy Malaysia, language barriers persist due to Malay and English being the primary languages used. Manivannan emphasized that using third-party translators during therapy sessions is not ideal, as it could compromise the emotional connection families require during this challenging period.

He suggested that government or private Tamil-speaking counsellors should reach out to MASFIH for screening coordination with Mercy Malaysia or Wisma Putra. He also urged families to be vigilant about the emotional well-being of their relatives, as everyone processes trauma differently. Commenting on the impending Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) deployment to Nepal, Manivannan welcomed the initiative, stating it will provide more accurate, firsthand updates from Malaysian personnel, potentially enabling families to seek help later. Manivannan's sister, R. Komathi, 48, is among the Malaysians reported missing in the disaster.