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

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — Malaysia is reportedly engaged in discussions with Nepal to collect DNA samples from flood victims discovered during rescue efforts. These samples would then be matched against those taken from the missing relatives of Malaysians, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced. Utusan Malaysia reported that the initiative was suggested due to Nepal's shortage of resources and equipment for victim identification.

"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. Additionally, Malaysia is contemplating sending DNA experts to Nepal, while the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is requesting Nepalese authorities to forward samples already collected from recovered victims, he added.

The proposal has been submitted to the Nepalese government, with Malaysia awaiting a response. Furthermore, Malaysia is exploring ways to assist families of missing Malaysians in obtaining necessary documents for insurance claims and other matters. Currently, 55 Malaysians are still missing following the August 26 floods and landslides in Nepal.