Families of 55 Malaysians who remain uncontactable following floods and landslides in Nepal could be offered legal or administrative avenues as the authorities enter the longer-term phase of the response.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today it had briefed 95 immediate next of kin and family representatives at Wisma Putra on the latest verified developments concerning their loved ones.
The session involved the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Department of Chemistry Malaysia, Malaysian embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing, and the National Registration Department (JPN). Counsellors from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) were also present to provide support to the families.
The ministry said the briefing also covered possible legal and administrative processes that may apply to families whose loved ones remain uncontactable.
It said the Nepalese government was considering legal measures for cases involving people affected by the disaster whose status remained undetermined, including foreign nationals.
However, the ministry stressed that the measures were subject to Nepal’s domestic legal processes and had not taken effect as of today.
The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu will continue engaging Nepalese authorities to clarify the processes and documentation required should the measures be adopted.
The ministry said any determination on an individual’s status, as well as the issuance of official documents, would be subject to the applicable laws, procedures and authorities in Nepal and Malaysia.
It added that the Malaysian government would continue coordinating with Nepalese authorities and relevant Malaysian agencies on matters affecting the families.
The ministry also urged the public and media to respect the privacy of the affected families and refrain from speculation about individuals whose status has yet to be confirmed, with further updates to be issued through official channels based on verified information.
