PETALING JAYA: Families of Malaysians who went missing in the Nepal floods are seeking a moratorium on loans and other financial commitments held in their loved ones’ names as they continue waiting for answers.
Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope spokesman Subramaniam Murugaya said some families hoped Bank Negara Malaysia could assist by providing a moratorium on the financial commitments.
“There are various loans under their names, alongside other financial commitments,” he said.
Subramaniam, whose father-in-law was among the missing Malaysians, also called for temporary financial aid for the next of kin.
“Any aid for the families to survive is helpful. The majority of those who went missing were breadwinners,” he said.
The group represents families of Malaysians who went missing following the devastating Nepal floods in August.
Subramaniam also expressed hope for faster closure through the issuance of death certificates, where applicable.
“This will enable the families to proceed with insurance claims,” he said.
Subramaniam said the group planned to raise these matters at a scheduled meeting between Wisma Putra and the families of the missing Malaysians today.
Counselling aid had also been provided to the families, he added.
Fellow group spokesman Manivannan Rethinam said the families of the missing Malaysians remained without closure.
“They continue to live with profound uncertainty over what happened to their loved ones, particularly those last known to be in or around the Rasuwagadhi border area.
“We need timely, coordinated and comprehensive information on every aspect of the case, particularly the China-Tibet side of the incident,” he said.
Manivannan, whose sister Komathi is among the missing Malaysians, said the families had also requested that the meeting with Wisma Putra include Bank Negara and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“We need clear, authoritative guidance on the applicable legal and financial framework, what families can or cannot do at this stage, what protections or options may be available to them, and which agencies or institutions they should approach for further assistance.
“Having to navigate financial and legal issues on their own adds another significant burden,” he said.
Manivannan also called for a direct briefing from the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, particularly regarding efforts by the Chinese authorities.
On Aug 26, devastating flash floods struck the Nepal-China border, killing more than 1,400 people to date, while thousands more remain missing.
According to an analysis by the United States Geological Survey, a Himalayan glacial collapse was believed to have triggered the incident, generating energy equivalent to a 5.2-magnitude earthquake.
