Fifty-five Malaysians remain reported as uncontactable in Nepal, while another 36 are currently uncontactable in areas of China affected by telecommunications disruptions, as Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry intensifies consular and verification efforts across both countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its consular response has been expanded beyond Nepal to cover Malaysians affected by related travel disruptions in China.
In China, a group of 72 Malaysians currently in Darchen has been confirmed safe and is receiving consular assistance from the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing.
Separately, the ministry has received information concerning 36 Malaysians who are currently reported as uncontactable in areas affected by telecommunications disruptions in China.
Malaysian officials are working with Chinese authorities and the family members of those affected to establish contact with the group.
The ministry is also cross-checking the cases against reports involving Malaysians in Nepal to determine whether there is any duplication in the numbers.
In Nepal, meanwhile, 55 Malaysians remain reported as uncontactable, although two individuals who were previously listed as uncontactable have since been reached.
Search and rescue operations as well as verification efforts remain ongoing as authorities work to establish the whereabouts and safety of those who have yet to be contacted.
The ministry said that, at this stage, no Malaysians have been identified among the 116 foreign nationals officially reported as rescued.
The situation has prompted Malaysian diplomatic missions to maintain close coordination with local authorities as disruptions to telecommunications and travel complicate efforts to verify the status of affected Malaysians.
The Foreign Ministry’s Operations Room continues to operate around the clock as it coordinates consular assistance, receives information and verifies reports involving Malaysians affected by the situation.
The latest figures indicate that the ministry is currently working to establish contact with as many as 91 Malaysians across Nepal and China, although the eventual number could be lower as authorities continue cross-checking the cases for possible duplication.
