KUALA LUMPUR: Families of 49 Malaysians missing after devastating floods at the Nepal-Tibet border have urged the federal government to exhaust all diplomatic channels and secure permission for a Malaysian search and rescue (SAR) deployment.
Speaking on behalf of the newly formed family network Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (MASFIH), spokesperson Manivannan Rethinam called on Wisma Putra and the Malaysian embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing to establish a single, direct communication channel for daily updates.
"While information may sometimes be limited, even an update stating there is no new confirmed information provides families with reassurance that the matter is actively being monitored," Manivannan told a press conference on Saturday (Aug 29). His sister, Komathi, is among the missing.
MASFIH represents 49 citizens across three tour groups: 23 from Leaf Holiday, nine from Dream Tibet Travel & Tours, and 17 from Fishtail Tours & Travel.
Manivannan urged the Foreign Ministry to appoint dedicated liaison officers to streamline communications and relieve distressed families from contacting multiple agencies individually.
The missing travellers were last located around the Rasuwagadhi border region spanning Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Manivannan highlighted that several individuals were near Chinese immigration checkpoints or en route to Gyirong (Kerung) when the disaster struck.
"Close cooperation between Nepal, China, and Malaysia is essential," he said, requesting that Malaysian SAR expertise be deployed as soon as host governments grant access.
The group also flagged a discrepancy in official records, noting that nine missing Malaysians were omitted from a Nepal Tourism Board status report issued on Aug 26. MASFIH requested that Malaysian officials urgently reconcile these figures with Nepalese authorities.
"Our objective is simple: to find our missing loved ones and bring them home safely," Manivannan said, adding that families stand ready to assist all investigating agencies.
