KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — Malaysia is reportedly in talks with Nepal to have DNA samples from flood victims found during search-and-rescue operations sent here for matching against samples taken from relatives of Malaysians who remain missing, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said today.
According to Utusan Malaysia, Mohamad said the initiative was proposed because Nepalese authorities face shortages of facilities and equipment needed to identify victims.
“Send them here so it will be easier for us to carry out matching with close family members whose DNA samples have already been taken,” he was quoted as saying.
Mohamad reportedly said Malaysia was also considering sending DNA experts to Nepal, while the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu has asked Nepalese security authorities to forward samples already collected from recovered victims.
He said the proposal had been submitted to the Nepalese government and Malaysia was awaiting a response.
Mohamad said Malaysia is also discussing with Nepal ways to help families of missing Malaysians obtain documents needed for matters such as insurance claims.
At last count, 55 Malaysians remained missing following the August 26 floods and landslides in Nepal.
