55 Malaysians still uncontactable following Nepal, China disasters

KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty-five Malaysians remain missing and untraceable after the floods and landslides in Nepal and China, despite ongoing efforts to locate each person, according to Wisma Putra. The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) recently returned from Nepal, having conducted both ground searches and aerial observations with drones under the permission of Nepalese authorities.

SMART's mission included training Nepalese rescue teams in drone operations and donating nine drones to the government of Nepal through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Malaysia continues its support for Nepal's disaster response through its embassy in Kathmandu, which gathers information directly from NDRRMA and other relevant Nepalese authorities for updates on the missing Malaysians.

In China, the Malaysian embassy there will continue to engage with local authorities regarding Malaysians impacted by the disaster. Wisma Putra acknowledges the families' concerns and maintains direct contact with the immediate next of kin, sharing any verified developments concerning individual Malaysians before any public announcement is made.

The ministry requests the public and media to respect the privacy of the affected families and refrain from speculation on any individual's status. Further updates will be provided based on verified information obtained through official channels.