Malaysians missing in Nepal: Families facing 6-9 months' wait for death certification

KUALA LUMPUR: The families of 54 Malaysians missing in Nepal must await at least six to nine months for presumed death letters, despite Nepal reducing the waiting period from 12 years to 45 days following a recent disaster. Malaysia Solidarity Families in Hope (MASFIH) spokesman Dr R. Manivannan explained that these letters are required for families to obtain death certificates and access their missing relatives' assets to settle debts.

Manivannan told reporters after meeting with Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan that the process would take a minimum of six to nine months, hence their concern. Under Nepali law, a person must be missing for 12 years before being declared dead, but President Ram Chandra Paudel shortened the period to 45 days for those affected by recent landslides and flooding.

However, Nepal must now pass the ordinance through its Parliament and have it gazetted. Manivannan noted that Nepal is also conducting a public inquiry into objections about its own missing citizens, which he expects to include foreigners. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan earlier stated that Malaysia is awaiting details of Nepal's special order and monitoring the situation closely.

Manivannan added that Malaysia is unsure whether the National Registration Department (NRD) will acknowledge Nepal's letter for issuing death certificates, as this is the first such case. He also questioned whether the 54 cases would be handled together or separately, which could add one to two months to the process. Even with death certificates, families could only access funds like Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings through a nominee, while other assets would require probate or court orders.

MASFIH had submitted 52 questions on these issues to the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) via the Foreign Ministry a week ago but has yet to receive a response.