{
  "id": 13919006,
  "title": "Banks will not pressure families of missing Malaysians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/banks-will-not-pressure-families-of-missing-malaysians",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T08:57:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1553774/banks-will-not-pressure-families-missing-malaysians"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian banks have pledged not to pressure the families of 54 missing individuals from the Nepal flood tragedy, according to Malaysia Solidarity Families in Hope (Masfih). Dr R. Manivannan, Masfih's coordinator and spokesperson, disclosed that this assurance came from a two-and-a-half-hour meeting at Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) where financial institutions, insurers, and the families' next of kin participated. The banks have promised not to pursue loan repayments or other payments until an agreement is reached, he added. Masfih welcomed the commitment but is still waiting for a written framework from BNM outlining protective measures for the families. The families require a clear, coordinated solution to address their family members' outstanding financial obligations, Manivannan emphasized. A severe flood struck the Himalayas on August 26 after a mountain and glacier collapse near Nepal's border with China, causing over 1,400 deaths and leaving more than 5,000 people missing. Masfih submitted a 35-page proposal to BNM, advocating financial relief measures, such as addressing outstanding loans and other liabilities while the missing individuals' status remains unresolved. The meeting aimed to establish a coordinated approach involving BNM, financial institutions, and relevant government agencies to prevent families from dealing with banks and insurers individually. Manivannan stated that the interim assurance was a positive step but should not replace a formal policy addressing the families' financial concerns. He called for an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to help coordinate a government response and secure clear assurances on the way forward.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Banks have given interim assurances that they will not pressure the families of 54 Malaysians who remain missing following flash floods in Nepal, Malaysia Solidarity Families in Hope (Masfih) said.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 9,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Rescue helicopters race to flood-hit Nepal villages as 5 reported missing",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/rescue-helicopters-race-to-flood-hit-nepal-villages-as-5-reported-13882902",
        "published": "2026-10-12T05:00:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Mainichi",
        "title": "Rescue helicopters race to flood-hit Nepal villages as 5 reported missing",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/rescue-helicopters-race-to-flood-hit-nepal-villages-as-5-reported",
        "published": "2026-10-12T05:14:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Missing Malaysians In Nepal: Families Seek Financial Relief Framework",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/general-missing-malaysians-in-nepal-families-seek-financial-relief",
        "published": "2026-10-12T07:25:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Families of Malaysians missing in Nepal submit financial ‘rescue plan’ to BNM",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/families-of-malaysians-missing-in-nepal-submit-financial-rescue-plan",
        "published": "2026-10-12T07:29:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun",
        "title": "Rescue Helicopters Race to Flood-Hit Nepal Villages as 5 Reported Missing",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/rescue-helicopters-race-to-flood-hit-nepal-villages-as-5-reported-13911081",
        "published": "2026-10-12T08:16:44.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Nepal flood disaster: Families of 54 missing Malaysians seek debt freeze as legal limbo deepens",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/nepal-flood-disaster-families-of-54-missing-malaysians-seek-debt",
        "published": "2026-10-12T08:30:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "BNM appoints 4 officers to assist families of missing Malaysians in Nepal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/bnm-appoints-4-officers-to-assist-families-of-missing-malaysians-in",
        "published": "2026-10-12T08:47:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Latest flash floods in Nepal leave five missing, sweep away 200 homes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/latest-flash-floods-in-nepal-leave-five-missing-sweep-away-200-homes",
        "published": "2026-10-12T10:13:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}