KUALA LUMPUR: Families of Malaysians still missing following the floods in Nepal need clearer information on planned search and rescue operations, as well as mental health support, says Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (Masfih).
Its spokesperson Manivannan Rethinam said the prolonged uncertainty about the situation is taking an emotional toll, particularly on the elderly relatives of those missing.
While the government has offered psychosocial counselling, he said Tamil-speaking counsellors were essential for elderly family members who have difficulty communicating in English or Bahasa Melayu.
“Relying on translators could weaken the counselling effectiveness. Instead, they should consider hiring a Tamil-speaking counsellor for these situations.
“This will ensure sessions are meaningful and supportive for the affected families,” he told a press conference on Thursday (Sept 3).
His remarks came after Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the government was prepared to provide psychosocial support and counselling to Malaysians and their family members affected by the floods in Nepal.
Manivannan also urged the government to provide more detailed and up-to-date information on ongoing or planned search and rescue (SAR) operations by Malaysian teams.
“After nine days, families deserve more than general updates; we need clear information on where and when these teams will be deployed specifically, actions they will take, and what challenges remain.
“We also need clarity on what the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team’s (SMART) primary objective and measurable outcomes will be since it's already been nine days since the flood,” he said.
SMART is reportedly scheduled to leave for Nepal on Saturday to assist in SAR operations, according to a media invitation from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
Manivannan also called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to contact Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah directly to discuss expediting the deployment of Malaysian rescue and forensic teams.
He said this could help identify any Malaysian victims and provide families with greater certainty, including in dealing with financial liabilities involving missing or deceased relatives.
