55 Malaysians Remain Uncontactable Following Floods in Nepal and China, Says Foreign Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — Fifty-five Malaysians remain uncontactable following devastating floods and landslides in Nepal and China, with multi-agency efforts to ascertain their status ongoing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today.

In a statement, the ministry—widely known as Wisma Putra—confirmed that the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), which returned from Nepal on Monday, will brief ministry officials on its field deployment and data gathered during the mission.

During its deployment, SMART conducted ground searches and drone-assisted aerial surveillance across accessible zones permitted by Nepalese authorities. Findings from the operation will be evaluated by Wisma Putra alongside relevant national agencies to chart further action.

Wisma Putra clarified that the conclusion of SMART’s field deployment in Nepal does not signify an end to search efforts or alter the status of those missing.

“The 55 Malaysians remain recorded as uncontactable while the relevant processes to establish the status of each individual continue,” the ministry stated.

As part of Malaysia’s support for local disaster relief, SMART conducted specialized drone operation training for Nepalese rescue personnel and handed over nine drones to the Government of Nepal via its National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Follow-up operations in Nepal will continue through the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu, which remains in direct contact with NDRRMA, local authorities, and medical facilities to conduct site visits as safety conditions permit. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing continues close coordination with Chinese authorities regarding affected citizens.

Wisma Putra assured affected families that verified updates concerning individual citizens will be communicated directly to next of kin prior to any public disclosures, while appealing to the public and media to respect family privacy and avoid unverified speculation.

–NMT