New: Families Urge SMART to Expand Search to Nepal-China Border

PETALING JAYA, Sept 1, 2026 — Families of Malaysians missing in the recent Nepal-China border floods have urged the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to extend its search operations to both sides of the border.

Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (Masfih) spokesman Dr R. Manivannan said restricting the search to Nepal alone could leave critical areas unchecked. He stressed that some Malaysians may have crossed into China, and approvals should be sought to allow SMART to operate there.

“The urgency is not only about finding survivors, but also recovering and identifying remains,” he explained, warning that delays could affect the condition of bodies and complicate identification.

SMART

Family members echoed the call, including Subramaniam Murugaya, whose father-in-law is among those uncontactable. He noted the last known location of the Spectrum Horizon group was near an immigration facility at the border, raising uncertainty about whether they crossed into China.

Manivannan confirmed all 55 Malaysians involved remain unaccounted for. Wisma Putra has contacted next of kin to collect DNA samples, with assistance from the Chemistry Department, to aid identification.

The government earlier announced SMART’s deployment to Nepal following floods and landslides last week.

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