Smart returns from Nepal, but efforts to trace 55 Malaysians continue

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Special Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) has returned from its mission in Nepal, but the search for 55 Malaysians who are still untraceable continues. The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) clarified that the team's departure does not signify the conclusion of efforts to establish the status of the missing Malaysians. Nepalese authorities are still conducting search, verification, and identification processes.

During its deployment, Smart performed ground searches and aerial inspections via drones in approved areas. The ministry will examine the information collected by Smart alongside ongoing updates from Nepal to determine further steps. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to maintain direct communication with the relatives of the affected Malaysians and will release updates based on verified information.

Upon receiving any verified updates about the situation of an individual Malaysian, the immediate next of kin will be informed before any public announcement.

Prior to leaving Nepal, Smart provided drone operation training to local rescue personnel and handed over nine drones to the government via the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to aid ongoing disaster-response efforts. Malaysia will keep pursuing follow-up actions through its embassy in Kathmandu, collaborating with Nepalese authorities and hospitals.

The Malaysian Embassy in Beijing will likewise keep in touch with Chinese authorities regarding Malaysians affected by the disaster and any information that could aid in determining their status.