Families of 54 missing Malaysians seek official confirmation, government aid

Families of 54 Malaysians missing following floods and landslides near the Nepal-China border are demanding official confirmation of their loved ones' status, along with financial aid and legal support. R. Manivannan, a representative from Malaysia Solidarity Families in Hope (MASFIH), highlighted the request as one of nine priorities in a 29-page proposal presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a private meeting at Parliament. Anwar pledged to present the group's proposals to the Cabinet meeting on Friday.

The proposal also calls for better coordination of government aid, legal assistance, and diplomatic efforts with authorities in Nepal and China's Tibet Autonomous Region. MASFIH has suggested appointing a coordinating minister to ensure the families' needs are addressed efficiently. Currently, Foreign Ministry letters only state that the missing individuals cannot be contacted, without formally confirming their status as missing persons.

Manivannan emphasized the importance of obtaining confirmation letters stating that the family members are missing, as these documents would aid families in managing related matters without implying death.

On August 26, floods and landslides near the Nepal-China border reportedly left 55 Malaysians unaccounted for, with one individual later confirmed safe at the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu on October 1, returning to Malaysia the following day. This left 54 Malaysians still missing as of October 20, 2026.