PETALING JAYA: Fifty-five Malaysians remain uncontactable following floods and landslides in Nepal and China, with efforts continuing to establish their status.
The Foreign Ministry said the conclusion of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team’s (Smart) deployment in Nepal did not mean efforts to trace the Malaysians had ended.
“The conclusion of Smart’s field deployment does not imply that efforts to ascertain the status of the Malaysians concerned have ended, nor does it change their current status.
“The 55 Malaysians remain recorded as uncontactable while the relevant processes to establish the status of each individual continue,” Wisma Putra said in a statement on Monday (Sept 14).
Smart, which returned from Nepal on Monday, will brief the ministry on its deployment and information gathered in the field.
During its deployment, the team carried out ground searches and aerial observations using drones in areas deemed safe and accessible by Nepalese authorities.
The ministry and other relevant Malaysian agencies will review Smart’s findings alongside developments in Nepal to determine further action.
Wisma Putra said Nepalese authorities were continuing search, verification and identification efforts.
Smart also provided on-site drone training to Nepalese rescue personnel and handed over nine drones to the Nepal government through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) for disaster-related operations.
The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu will continue obtaining information from NDRRMA, hospitals and other relevant agencies, and conduct further checks or visits where safety conditions and local approval permit.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing will continue engaging Chinese authorities for information concerning Malaysians affected by the disaster.
Wisma Putra said it remained in direct contact with the immediate next of kin and would provide updates based on verified information.
Any verified development involving an individual Malaysian will first be conveyed to their family before a public announcement is made.
The ministry also expressed appreciation to the Nepal government and relevant authorities for their cooperation during Smart’s deployment and urged the public and media to respect the privacy of affected families and refrain from speculation.
