KUALA LUMPUR: The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will decide on the next course of action for the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad, who is fondly known as Tok Mat, said the team, which departed for Nepal on Sept 5, is also expected to return either Saturday (Sept 12) or Sunday (Sept 13).
He added that rescue teams from other countries are also expected to return to their respective countries.
“It will be Nadma who will assess the next course of action, so we do not make rushed decisions.
"Nadma will present an assessment report to the government for the next steps,” he said on the sidelines of the Umno Annual General Assembly here today.
He added that the SMART team will also hand over its drones to the Nepal rescue authorities for their use.
"If they require further help from Malaysia. we will definitely consider giving our best possible cooperation," he said.
Tok Mat said Malaysian authorities are actively engaging with Nepal authorities for DNA sampling matters.
"There is a lack of facilities and infrastructure there. Through our embassies, we are also discussing with Nepal authorities on whether they can send DNA samples to Kuala Lumpur for sampling with Malaysian victims' families," he said.
The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu, he said, is also discussing with Nepalese authorities to obtain confirmation on the status of missing Malaysians.
He also said there has yet to be any contact with the 55 missing Malaysians in Nepal.
“From what I have been informed, Nepalese authorities also do not intend to halt search and rescue efforts as thousands remain missing,” he said.
On Aug 26, devastating floods struck the Nepal-China border.
According to an analysis by the United States Geological Survey, a Himalayan glacial collapse was believed to have triggered the Aug 26 incident, which generated energy equivalent to a 5.2-magnitude earthquake.
As of press time, close to 1,500 people have lost their lives while 5,649 people remain missing.
