SMART Team to leave for Nepal today as search for 55 Malaysians continues

Malaysia's Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), consisting of 11 members, will depart for Nepal today (September 5, 2026) to assist with search-and-rescue operations following deadly floods. The Nepalese authorities have officially approved the team's deployment, praising its high-capacity drones and specialized equipment. The team's assistance will be subject to operational requirements and safety conditions.

Additionally, a further team dispatched by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry has already reached Kathmandu, collaborating with the Malaysian Embassy to coordinate with Nepalese authorities regarding the search and identification of the 55 Malaysians still uncontactable. DNA samples are being utilized for identification purposes. In Malaysia, the government is also preparing for humanitarian assistance, promising USD1 million to Nepal.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging the public to refrain from sharing unverified information while the search for the Malaysians continues.

As of Friday, the ministry reported 55 Malaysians classified as uncontactable. The ministry continues to maintain direct communication with these individuals' next of kin, sharing updates on search, verification, and related efforts. Information on individual cases is relayed directly to families, while public updates focus on verified developments.

The ministry is also engaged with the Chinese Government, clarifying potential overlaps between reports of Malaysians in Nepal and those in Tibet. Malaysia has expressed readiness to offer search-and-rescue expertise to China should the need arise.