Foreign Ministry seeks DNA samples of Nepal flood victims to identify missing Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, September 12 - Malaysia is reportedly engaging in discussions with Nepal in an effort to collect DNA samples from flood victims discovered during search-and-rescue operations, with the aim of matching them against the DNA samples of Malaysians who are still missing, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

This proposal was made due to the shortage of facilities and equipment in Nepal to identify victims, as stated by the Malaysian Foreign Minister. According to Utusan Malaysia, the initiative is being considered because Nepalese authorities are struggling with limited resources for this purpose. "Send them here so it will be easier for us to carry out matching with close family members whose DNA samples have already been taken," Mohamad was quoted as saying.

Malaysia is also contemplating the possibility of sending DNA experts to Nepal, while the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu has requested Nepalese security authorities to forward samples that have already been collected from the victims who have been recovered. The proposal has been submitted to the Nepalese government, and Malaysia is awaiting a response.

In addition to this, Malaysia is exploring ways to assist the families of the missing Malaysians in obtaining the necessary documents for matters such as insurance claims. As of the latest count, 55 Malaysians are still missing following the floods and landslides in Nepal that occurred on August 26.