91 Malaysians remain uncontactable after floods in Nepal and China, with the Foreign Ministry urging families and the public to rely on official updates
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 91 Malaysians, comprising 55 in Nepal and 36 in China, remain reported as uncontactable as of 8 pm on Saturday following the floods that struck on Aug 26, the Foreign Ministry said.
In a statement, the ministry said it will continue to work closely with the relevant Chinese and Nepalese authorities while cross-checking figures from both countries to rule out duplicate reporting.
It also urged members of the media and the public to refer to the figures issued by the ministry when reporting on Malaysians affected by the situation in Nepal and China, as the figures may change when contact is established with Malaysians concerned and further reports are received from the relevant authorities and families.
“The Ministry understands the heightened concern regarding the limited personal information released publicly on individual Malaysians who remain uncontactable,” it said on Saturday.
It added that, in accordance with established consular procedures, information on individual cases is provided directly to verified immediate next of kin.
Consular officers have contacted all verified immediate next of kin whose details are available to provide updates on current developments.
It said personal details will not be released publicly without the consent of the immediate next of kin.
“While the Ministry appreciates the concern shown by friends, relatives and members of the wider public, the interests and welfare of the Malaysians currently reported as uncontactable, as well as those of their immediate families, remain the Ministry’s utmost priority.
“The Ministry therefore urges all parties to respect the privacy of the affected families and to rely on official information as consular efforts continue,” the statement read.
The ministry urged immediate next of kin who have yet to provide their details to contact the Ministry’s Operations Room, which operates 24-hours a day, to assist Malaysians affected by the situation and their families at +603 8887 4570 (telephone) or email dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.
Family members may also provide relevant details to the Embassy of Malaysia in Kathmandu (mwkathmandu@kln.gov.my) or the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing (mwbeijing@kln.gov.my), with a copy to the Ministry’s Operations Room.
