OFFICIAL PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Smart returns from Nepal, but efforts to trace 55 Malaysians continue
- Admin UKK
- Berita
KUALA LUMPUR: The return of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) from Nepal today does not mark the end of efforts to establish the status of 55 Malaysians who remain uncontactable following the disaster.
The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) said the end of Smart's field deployment would not change the status of the Malaysians concerned, with Nepalese authorities continuing search, verification and identification efforts.
"The conclusion of Smart's field deployment does not imply that efforts to ascertain the status of the Malaysians concerned have ended, nor does it change their current status," it said in a statement today.
During its deployment, Smart conducted ground searches and aerial observations using drones in areas deemed safe and approved by Nepalese authorities.
The ministry said it would review the information gathered by Smart alongside continuing developments from Nepal to determine appropriate follow-up action.
Wisma Putra remains in direct contact with the next of kin of affected Malaysians and will provide updates based on verified information.
"Where there is a verified development concerning the status of an individual Malaysian, the immediate next of kin will be informed before any public announcement is made," it said.
Before leaving Nepal, Smart conducted drone operations training for local rescue personnel and handed over nine drones to the government through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to support continued disaster-response operations.
Malaysia will continue follow-up efforts through its embassy in Kathmandu, including liaising with Nepalese authorities and hospitals.
The Malaysian Embassy in Beijing will also remain in contact with Chinese authorities over Malaysians affected by the disaster and any information that could help establish their status.
"The Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing will maintain its engagement with the relevant Chinese authorities concerning Malaysians affected by the disaster and any information that may assist in establishing their status," said the ministry.
Smart was deployed on Sept 5 for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission.
The team comprised 11 officers and personnel and travelled in a 10-tonne truck and 2 other vehicles.
The ministry said about 5,000 people remained unaccounted for following the disaster.