KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is awaiting approval from the Nepalese government to deploy deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) experts to assist in identifying the bodies of disaster victims in the country.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic) said Malaysia had submitted a request to deploy the experts, with the DNA identification process expected to begin after search and rescue (SAR) operations conclude.
He said the expertise is needed to match DNA samples taken from recovered bodies with samples provided by the families of Malaysian citizens who remain missing.
“There are bodies that have been recovered but were immediately buried due to a lack of adequate facilities.
“We need DNA to match against the DNA samples from the families of the Malaysian citizens.
“The process will be carried out once the search and rescue operation concludes,” he told a press conference after a luncheon held in conjunction with the working visit of Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow here yesterday.
Last Saturday, Mohamad announced that DNA samples had been successfully collected from the next of kin of the 55 Malaysians who remain unaccounted for following floods and landslides in Nepal.
Meanwhile, he said the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), currently en route to the affected areas, would assist Nepalese authorities in locating the missing victims.
Mohamad expressed hope that the team’s presence would contribute to search and recovery efforts for those still classified as missing, Bernama reported.
On Sunday, the Smart MAS01 team, deployed as part of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission to Nepal, arrived safely at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at noon local time.
The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) said the team completed arrival procedures and mission protocols by 4.30pm local time, including logistics clearance and personnel manifest verification.
The team comprises 11 Smart members and officers carrying 12.4 tonnes of SAR equipment, including rescue gear, detection tools, communication systems, high-capacity drones and specialised tunnel rescue equipment, as well as a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a 10-tonne truck.
