In response to the recent floods and landslides in Nepal, Malaysia is poised to send a team of DNA experts to assist in identifying the victims. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan announced that Malaysia has sought approval from Nepal to deploy these specialists, with the DNA identification process set to commence once the search and rescue operations conclude. The Malaysian team plans to match DNA samples collected from the remains with those provided by families of missing Malaysian nationals.
Currently, the families of 55 unaccounted Malaysian citizens have provided DNA samples, which are crucial for the identification process. This measure became necessary as some of the recovered bodies were interred swiftly due to a shortage of facilities, underscoring the importance of DNA testing in confirming identities.
The contingent Malaysia intends to dispatch comprises 11 personnel, equipped with 12.4 tonnes of rescue gear. This includes advanced detection tools, communication systems, high-capacity drones, and specialized equipment for tunnel rescues. The team also has a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a 10-tonne truck to aid in their operations.
Malaysia hopes that the combined efforts of search, rescue, and DNA identification will lead to finding the missing individuals and offer much-needed closure to the families awaiting confirmation of their relatives’ fate. The deployment of these resources underscores Malaysia’s commitment to providing effective support during this humanitarian crisis.