Malaysia is poised to assist Nepal in the aftermath of catastrophic floods and landslides by deploying a team of DNA experts once they receive the go-ahead from Nepalese authorities. According to Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Malaysia awaits approval to send these specialists, who will commence DNA identification once the search and rescue missions conclude. The focus is on matching DNA from recovered bodies with samples from families of missing Malaysians.
So far, DNA samples have been collected from relatives of 55 Malaysians still missing due to the natural disasters. The urgency of the situation led to some recovered bodies being buried swiftly due to limited facilities, making DNA testing a crucial step for proper identification of the deceased.
The Malaysian team comprises 11 personnel equipped with 12.4 tonnes of rescue gear. This includes detection tools, communication systems, high-capacity drones, and specialized equipment for tunnel rescues. They have also transported a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a 10-tonne truck to aid in the operations.
Through these efforts, Malaysia aims to aid in the search and rescue operations, ultimately providing closure to families by confirming the fate of their missing relatives. The coordinated approach combining search, rescue, and DNA identification reflects Malaysia’s commitment to support Nepal during this challenging time.