KUALA LUMPUR: A proposal for one-off federal humanitarian assistance for 54 families of Malaysians missing in the Nepal-Tibet flash floods will be brought to the Cabinet for consideration, says Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (Masfih).
Masfih spokesman Dr Manivannan Rethinam claimed Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan assured the families that the proposal would be brought up in the meeting tomorrow.
“In the event that the assistance is not given, the minister assured that he will do the necessary to raise the funds for us on his end,” he said during a meeting with Ramanan and other ministry officials.
Manivannan claimed that the minister had also instructed the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) to examine which families were covered under its schemes, so that eligible recipients receive necessary benefits.
He added that families had agreed to provide a letter of guarantee to repay the aid should their missing relatives return safely.
Manivannan welcomed the minister’s assurances, noting that the financial assistance was needed urgently as Deepavali is approaching with families facing financial commitments while unable to access the assets of their missing loved ones.
“Many of us are being pursued by creditors and have financial liabilities tied to our missing family members that must be settled,” he said.
Manivannan added that Masfih is seeking an official confirmation letter from the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, verifying that the missing citizens are listed by Nepalese authorities.
