KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysians celebrate the nation’s 69th National Day, activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic) has called on the public to also remember the victims of the devastating floods and landslides in Nepal and Tibet.
Lee said the scale of the disaster was deeply distressing, with hundreds reported dead and thousands still missing following catastrophic flooding triggered by a glacier collapse in the Himalayan region.
Entire communities have been devastated, with homes and infrastructure swept away, while families continue to wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, he said.
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"On a day when we celebrate our own freedom, peace and security, we must not forget that there are families elsewhere who are facing unimaginable grief and uncertainty," he said when contacted on Monday (Aug 31).
He extended his deepest condolences to families who had lost their loved ones and said his thoughts were with those still missing, the survivors and the rescue personnel working under extreme conditions.
Lee also welcomed Malaysia’s decision to contribute US$1mil (RM4.03mil) in humanitarian aid and the readiness of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to assist in search and rescue operations.
"This is a meaningful expression of Malaysia’s humanitarian spirit and our responsibility as a member of the international community," he said.
However, Lee said the international community must act quickly and in a coordinated manner, given the magnitude of the disaster.
He said search and rescue should remain the immediate priority, with countries possessing specialised disaster response teams, search dogs, drones, life detection equipment and technical expertise making such capabilities available, subject to the requests and coordination of the affected countries.
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Medical and humanitarian aid, including emergency medical teams, medicines, clean water, food, temporary shelters and sanitation facilities, should also be rapidly mobilised to prevent further loss of life and disease outbreaks, he added.
Lee said international expertise in DNA identification, forensic services and the proper preservation of remains was equally important in helping identify victims and providing some measure of closure to grieving families.
He also stressed the need to restore damaged roads, bridges, telecommunications and other infrastructure, which had become major obstacles to rescue and relief operations.
Beyond the immediate emergency, the international community should assist affected communities with recovery and rebuilding efforts, he said.
"This tragedy has destroyed homes, livelihoods and critical infrastructure. Nepal and affected communities will require assistance well beyond the search-and-rescue phase," he said.
Lee said the disaster also highlighted the growing risks associated with glacier instability, flash floods and other climate-related hazards.
ALSO READ: Nepal begins burials as flood death toll mounts
He called for greater emphasis on early warning systems, disaster preparedness, hazard mapping and regional information sharing.
For Malaysia, Lee said the country’s response should not end with sending assistance.
"We should also strengthen our own preparedness for natural disasters and continue sharing our expertise in disaster management and search and rescue with countries that need our help," he said.
Lee said Malaysians should celebrate Merdeka with gratitude while also demonstrating compassion, humanity, solidarity and a willingness to help those in need.
"Our independence gives us the freedom to build a better Malaysia. But our humanity reminds us that we also have a responsibility to stand with others when disaster strikes," he said.
