{
  "id": 6881427,
  "title": "Foreign Ministry seeks DNA samples of Nepal flood victims to identify missing Malaysians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/foreign-ministry-seeks-dna-samples-of-nepal-flood-victims-to-identify",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-12T07:24:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/12/foreign-ministry-seeks-nepal-flood-victims-dna-samples-to-identify-missing-malaysians/234944"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, September 12 - Malaysia is reportedly engaging in discussions with Nepal in an effort to collect DNA samples from flood victims discovered during search-and-rescue operations, with the aim of matching them against the DNA samples of Malaysians who are still missing, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. This proposal was made due to the shortage of facilities and equipment in Nepal to identify victims, as stated by the Malaysian Foreign Minister. According to Utusan Malaysia, the initiative is being considered because Nepalese authorities are struggling with limited resources for this purpose. \"Send them here so it will be easier for us to carry out matching with close family members whose DNA samples have already been taken,\" Mohamad was quoted as saying.\n\nMalaysia is also contemplating the possibility of sending DNA experts to Nepal, while the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu has requested Nepalese security authorities to forward samples that have already been collected from the victims who have been recovered. The proposal has been submitted to the Nepalese government, and Malaysia is awaiting a response. In addition to this, Malaysia is exploring ways to assist the families of the missing Malaysians in obtaining the necessary documents for matters such as insurance claims. As of the latest count, 55 Malaysians are still missing following the floods and landslides in Nepal that occurred on August 26.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — Malaysia is reportedly in talks with Nepal to have DNA samples from flood victims found du...",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia seeks Nepal's DNA samples to identify missing Malaysians.",
    "Nepal lacks facilities for victim identification due to shortage of resources.",
    "Malaysia may send DNA experts and assist families with documentation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Malaysia's offer to help identify flood victims with DNA matching aims to speed up locating missing Malaysians, leveraging better resources at home.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "SNAPSHOT | Remains of heli crash to be handed over to families; Floods: M'sia seeks Nepal's nod to send DNA samples to KL",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/snapshot-remains-of-heli-crash-to-be-handed-over-to-families-floods",
        "published": "2026-09-12T06:00:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Foreign Ministry seeks DNA samples of Nepal flood victims to identify missing Malaysians",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/foreign-ministry-seeks-dna-samples-of-nepal-flood-victims-to-identify-6882469",
        "published": "2026-09-12T07:24:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}