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THE Malaysian Armed Forces are ready to contribute their expertise and capabilities to humanitarian operations in Nepal following devastating floods that have left hundreds missing, including Malaysians.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the military was prepared to assist should the government decide to deploy its resources as part of the humanitarian response.
“Among the things that the ATM can contribute are humanitarian missions. If there is a decision from the government and if it involves the ATM, we are ready to contribute our expertise and capabilities,” he told reporters after launching the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang celebrations at Dataran Wisma Pertahanan today.
The potential deployment comes as Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of major flooding caused by the overflowing Bhote Koshi River in the mountainous Rasuwa district, which has caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the government to mobilise all necessary efforts to locate 54 Malaysians who remain uncontactable following devastating flash floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa district.
The travel arrangements of 17 Malaysians to the area, who are auntraceble now, were handled by travel agency Fishtail Tours and Travels, according to Wisma Putra.
Road access to affected areas has been disrupted by the flooding, while Nepalese authorities have deployed helicopters to support search and rescue operations.
The possible involvement of the ATM would provide Nepal with additional specialised capabilities should the Malaysian government approve a humanitarian deployment, as rescue teams continue efforts to reach isolated areas and establish the whereabouts of those still missing.
In a new development, some 55 Malaysians reported to be in Nepal’s Rasuwa district remain uncontactable following severe flooding caused by the overflowing Bhote Koshi River, prompting Malaysia to step up efforts to establish their whereabouts and safety.
The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) said it was closely monitoring the situation based on the latest information received from family members, travel agencies and other relevant sources.
In a statement on Thursday, Wisma Putra said severe disruptions to communications networks and electricity supplies in the affected areas could be contributing to difficulties in contacting the Malaysians.
“According to the local authorities, the floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, highways and communications networks.
“Search and rescue operations are under way, but access to the affected areas remains limited.”
The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is working closely with Nepalese authorities, search and rescue teams, the Nepal Tourism Board, travel agencies and major hospitals in Kathmandu to establish the safety and whereabouts of the Malaysians, it said.
The ministry said no official confirmation had so far been received of any Malaysian casualties.
To strengthen the operation, a Malaysian official from the High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is being deployed to assist the embassy in Kathmandu with coordination efforts.
The ministry has also activated an Operations Room at its Putrajaya headquarters from noon today to coordinate information and provide a direct communication channel for Malaysians in affected areas and their families.
Malaysians in the affected areas and family members with relevant information can contact the Foreign Ministry Operations Room at +603 8887 4570 or by email at dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.
The ministry also expressed its condolences to the Nepalese government and people, particularly the families of those killed, and conveyed its sympathy to all those affected by the disaster.
The latest development underscores the scale of the challenges facing rescue teams as extensive damage to transport and communications infrastructure continues to isolate parts of the mountainous Rasuwa district. - August 27, 2026
