KUALA LUMPUR — DNA samples from the next-of-kin of 55 Malaysians still missing after floods and landslides in Nepal have been collected and will be sent to the country’s authorities for identification purposes, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said the samples would undergo DNA matching by Nepalese authorities, although the process could take time due to the large number of victims involved in the disaster, Bernama reported.
Mohamad said Malaysia was also prepared to deploy experts from the Department of Chemistry to assist Nepal with the identification process if requested.
“Many other countries will also be sending their experts to assist Nepal in identifying DNA matches for the victims, which will help expedite the process,” he told reporters after attending the Pinggiran Senawang Independence Carnival here today.
He said the Nepalese government had been providing strong cooperation to the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu by sharing updates on Malaysians affected by the disaster.
The ministry, he added, receives daily updates from the Chargé d’Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy on the search operations and developments on the ground, while the families of those missing are also contacted regularly whenever there are new updates.
Mohamad said Nepal had restricted the entry of foreign search and rescue (SAR) teams to prevent overcrowding at disaster sites, which could complicate coordination efforts by local authorities.
On Saturday morning, 11 officers and personnel from the Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) departed for Nepal to assist in SAR operations in areas affected by floods and landslides. The mission is expected to last 10 days.
A total of 55 Malaysians were reported missing following the disaster on Aug 26, while some of the 77 individuals who were located safe in Tibet and Nepal have since returned to Malaysia. The remaining Malaysians are expected to return on flights arranged by their respective travel agencies.
Meanwhile, Mohamad said he would meet Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in the capital on Monday to discuss efforts to strengthen security in southern Thailand, as well as bilateral matters between Malaysia and Thailand.
He said Malaysia had been given the honour by Thailand to act as a facilitator in negotiations with relevant parties to support peace efforts in the region.
He added that the discussions would focus on finding the best approach to ensure initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security in southern Thailand could be implemented effectively.
Mohamad said stability in the region would benefit both countries, particularly by supporting cross-border trade between Malaysia and Thailand, which contributes significantly to both economies.
He also reminded Malaysians travelling to Thailand to remain cautious and always prioritise their personal safety. – September 5, 2026