Wisma Putra: 55 Malaysians remain uncontactable after Nepal and China disasters

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or Wisma Putra, has confirmed that 55 Malaysians are still untraceable following the floods and landslides in Nepal and China. The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), which concluded its mission in Nepal today, will provide an update on its deployment and findings to Wisma Putra.

During the operation, SMART carried out searches in accessible regions with the approval of Nepalese authorities, utilizing both ground teams and drone surveillance. Despite the mission's completion, the ministry emphasized that this does not signify the conclusion of efforts to determine the status of the 55 Malaysians, as the process of identifying each individual remains ongoing.

According to the latest information from Nepal, authorities are persistently engaged in search, verification, and identification processes. As part of Malaysia's assistance, SMART conducted training for Nepalese rescue personnel on drone operations and delivered nine drones to the Government of Nepal via the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Malaysia's ongoing support in Nepal will be coordinated through the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu, which will gather updates directly from NDRRMA and other pertinent Nepalese authorities, while maintaining communication with hospitals and other relevant agencies to conduct additional checks or visits, subject to safety conditions and Nepalese authorities' approval.

In China, Malaysia's Embassy in Beijing will continue to liaise with the relevant Chinese authorities regarding Malaysians impacted by the disaster and any information that could aid in establishing their status. Wisma Putra acknowledged the anxiety among families eagerly awaiting news about their loved ones, assuring that any confirmed developments will be communicated directly to the immediate next of kin before any public disclosure.

The ministry urged the public and media to respect the privacy of these families, refraining from speculation until official confirmation is received. Further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available through official channels.