Nepal floods: DNA samples from families of Malaysians yet to be processed, says group

PUTRAJAYA: DNA samples from families of 55 Malaysian individuals still missing in Nepal have not yet been processed, according to Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope spokesman Dr Manivannan Rethinam. So far, even a single sample remains unprocessed, as per his report to reporters following a meeting with government agencies at Wisma Putra today.

Dr Manivannan stated that 98 samples had been handed over to Nepal, while three were provided to China in a format requested by its authorities. He explained that the samples were collected for potential comparison with DNA extracted from any remains recovered in Nepal. He elaborated that once the samples from families and recovered remains are matched, they will be processed and compared.

The families were also informed that recovered remains could be exhumed if a DNA match was found. If a match is established, such as a family member of one or two individuals showing a match, the families can request the body to be exhumed in Nepal. However, he emphasized that the families seek official confirmation of the process. He added that the families do not accept any claims officially.