55 Malaysians still uncontactable following Nepal, China disasters

Fifty-five Malaysians remain uncontactable after floods and landslides struck Nepal and China, despite ongoing efforts to locate them. The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) concluded its deployment in Nepal on Monday, having conducted both ground searches and aerial observations with drones, all with the permission of Nepalese authorities.

The team has briefed the Malaysian ministry on its mission and findings, but the ministry clarified that this does not mean the search for the Malaysians has concluded. The 55 individuals are still recorded as uncontactable as authorities in Nepal continue their search, verification, and identification processes. Malaysia provided training on drone operations and nine drones to Nepalese rescue workers through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

The Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu will maintain direct contact with Nepalese authorities and relevant agencies to obtain updates and conduct further checks, subject to safety conditions and approval from Nepalese authorities. In China, Malaysia's embassy there will continue engaging with authorities regarding Malaysians affected by the disaster.

The ministry expressed understanding for families anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones and assured that any verified updates will be communicated directly to the immediate next of kin before any public announcements are made. The public and media are asked to respect the privacy of these families and refrain from speculation until official confirmation is received.