Kuala Lumpur:Families of 55 Malaysians still missing after a flash flood in Nepal are urging the Malaysian government to consider a special moratorium on the victims' financial commitments. These families are struggling to access their loved ones' accounts, insurance, and manage loans.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (MASFIH) spokesperson Dr. Manivannan Rethinam highlighted that after 33 days of uncertainty, financial and legal issues are among the most pressing concerns. Many of the missing individuals were primary earners in their families. The requested moratorium would apply specifically to financial commitments involving these missing persons.
Dr. Manivannan emphasized that action could be taken in Malaysia without waiting for the Nepalese government. A special moratorium could help families manage until death certificates are issued and insurance claims and estate matters are resolved. He spoke after a meeting at Wisma Putra, attended by about 105 people, including next of kin and government representatives. The meeting covered search and rescue operations, DNA sample management, and legal matters involving the missing individuals.
The status of the victims as missing persons has posed constraints, preventing normal management of assets and financial commitments such as bank accounts, loans, and insurance claims. Some families wish to return vehicles registered in the missing individuals' names due to payment difficulties.
MASFIH seeks to meet with Bank Negara Malaysia, the Attorney General's Chambers, and relevant agencies to find a solution. Additionally, they aim to discuss a comprehensive resolution with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Families appreciate the Prime Minister's previous efforts to coordinate a mechanism with his Nepalese counterpart but believe measures can be initiated locally.
Efforts to identify the victims included obtaining 98 DNA samples processed by the Department of Chemistry Malaysia. DNA profiles were expedited for potential matching, and three profiles were sent to China due to immigration records in Tibet. MASFIH suggested considering sending other profiles if evidence shows other group members were in the area.
The Malaysian Embassy in Beijing indicated that if families have additional information, discussions with Chinese authorities could be pursued. Families have also requested PDRM and the Department of Chemistry to reassess DNA sample sufficiency for stronger matches.
Families questioned the limited focus on the Rasuwagadhi area near the Nepal-Tibet border, the last known location of some missing Malaysians. Malaysian team's operations are restricted by Nepalese permissions, with some areas beyond SMART team's control. There remains a slim possibility of finding victims alive in remote areas.
The Nepalese government is considering transitioning from the search and rescue phase to recovery and reconstruction, with no set date. They are expediting DNA matching and discussing disaster documentation mechanisms. Families require not only operational updates but also long-term impact solutions.