{
  "id": 10180865,
  "title": "Malaysians missing in Nepal: Families face 7-year wait for death declaration",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/malaysians-missing-in-nepal-families-face-7-year-wait-for-death",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T09:02:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1542338/malaysians-missing-nepal-families-face-7-year-wait-death-declaration"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Malaysia, the families of 55 Malaysians still missing after the disaster in Nepal are enduring a seven-year wait before they can request a declaration of death, leaving them in a prolonged legal and financial predicament. Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (MASFIH) spokesperson Dr Manivannan Rethinam revealed that the National Registration Department requires the Nepalese government's declaration, followed by a statement from the Nepalese embassy, before the heir can ask for a declaration of death. Additionally, the heir can only seek this declaration after seven years, provided a police report has been filed. Dr Manivannan expressed the severe financial consequences this seven-year wait could have, warning that heirs might already be facing financial trouble for a month or two, with the possibility of losing their homes and cars within six years. The families are urging the government to explore an exceptional legal mechanism due to the scale of the disaster, which saw thousands of people missing or dead. Dr Manivannan stated that the families are ready to pursue the matter collectively through the courts but require documentation from Nepal. He called for urgent assistance from the government, hoping for intervention from a higher authority, such as the prime minister.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA: The families of 55 Malaysians still missing following the disaster in Nepal are facing a seven-year wait before they can seek a declaration of death, leaving them in prolonged legal and financial limbo.",
  "key_points": [
    "55 Malaysians still missing after Nepal disaster",
    "Families endure 7-year wait for death declaration",
    "Urgent government intervention requested"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Nepal Floods: Families Of 55 Missing Malaysians Seek PM’s Intervention, Moratorium",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/general-nepal-floods-families-of-55-missing-malaysians-seek-pma-s",
        "published": "2026-09-27T08:06:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}