KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Solidarity Families in Hope (MASFIH) has welcomed Nepal’s proposal to reduce the legal period for determining the status of people missing in disasters from 12 years to 45 days, but wants the Malaysian Government to clarify how the change would affect 54 Malaysians still missing following the Rasuwagadhi flood tragedy.
MASFIH said the proposal was a positive development for families who have spent 44 days waiting for news of their loved ones while dealing with emotional and financial strain.
“MASFIH hopes the proposed 45-day period can be realised and implemented immediately, in order to provide clarity and assist families who have endured 44 days of uncertainty,” the coordinator and spokesperson of MASFIH, Manivannan Rethinam said in a statement today.
However, the group said the proposal remained subject to Nepal’s legal process and that its implementation had yet to be confirmed.
With the 45-day mark falling tomorrow, MASFIH said the Malaysian Government must clarify the legal position of the missing Malaysians.
“More importantly, tomorrow, October9, 2026, will mark 45 days since the tragedy occurred.”
“Therefore, the 54 families who are still waiting are now facing a very urgent question: What exactly will be their legal status once 45 days have passed?” he added.
MASFIH said families had previously been informed of a three-year period through the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, statements by the Foreign Minister and explanations given in Parliament.
However, recent reports on Nepalese law referred to a 12-year period, while Nepal has now reportedly proposed reducing it to 45 days.
“If the proposed 45-day period in Nepal cannot be implemented, what legal period or mechanism will apply as the next position — will it be three years, as previously conveyed to the families, or 12 years as stated under Nepalese law?” he asked further.
MASFIH said clear and consistent clarification was needed, stressing that the different timeframes were not merely figures for the affected families.
“For the 54 families who are still waiting, 12 years, three years and 45 days are not merely numbers. They concern the lives, rights and future of families who are still waiting for their loved ones to return,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, MASFIH said it was still awaiting a response to its request for a direct meeting with the Prime Minister.
It said an official request had been submitted, followed by three further requests, but no confirmation had been received.
The group is also awaiting a meeting with the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to seek clarification on legal issues surrounding the status of the missing Malaysians.
“MASFIH hopes both matters will be given due attention as the families need certainty, protection and a clear direction moving forward,” he said.
MASFIH also said it understood that some families might not yet be ready to consider any process involving a declaration of death.
It stressed that a presumed death declaration would not mean a person had been confirmed dead, but would serve as a legal mechanism that could allow families to settle certain matters while the person remained missing.
“Families should not feel pressured to make such a decision hastily,” he added.
MASFIH said families should be given time, options and clear legal advice before making any decision, including whether they could maintain their loved one’s status as missing.
On financial assistance, MASFIH said Bank Negara Malaysia had agreed to meet its representatives following several requests for engagement.
The meeting, originally scheduled for Friday, will now take place on Monday, October 12, and involve five MASFIH representatives.
The meeting will be jointly chaired by two Bank Negara directors following MASFIH’s request for senior management to be involved.
Issues involving moratoriums or temporary assistance for housing, vehicle and personal loan commitments, as well as other financial difficulties faced by the affected families, will be raised during the meeting.
The group also welcomed AmBank’s offer of financial assistance to all 54 families through the AmBank Foundation.
It said AmBank expressed its willingness to assist the families on October 7, with information collection now underway to facilitate the distribution of aid.
MASFIH said the assistance was significant as many families were facing financial hardship while continuing to deal with the uncertainty surrounding their missing loved ones.
The flood tragedy occurred in the Rasuwagadhi area on the Nepal-China border on August 26, with 54 Malaysians still unaccounted for after 44 days.
Of those missing, 42 are Malaysians of Indian descent, 11 are Malays and one is Chinese.
“However, for the 54 families who are still waiting, these efforts must continue until they receive answers,” Manivanna said. – October 8, 2026