Malaysia is awaiting Nepalese government approval to deploy DNA experts to match recovered disaster victims with families of missing citizens, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced on September 7, as search and rescue operations continue in the region.
Recovery efforts following devastating floods and landslides in Nepal face severe infrastructural hurdles, prompting international deployment from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian authorities are currently on standby to send specialized geneticists abroad to assist local agencies in identifying unclaimed victims.
DNA Verification Delayed Pending Search Conclusion
The deployment hinges entirely on clearance from authorities in Kathmandu. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, also known as Tok Mat, explained that genetic matching cannot commence until active search and recovery missions conclude in the disaster zones.
The urgency stems from the condition of the recovery sites, where severe infrastructural limitations have forced immediate burials.
“There are bodies that have been recovered but were immediately buried due to a lack of adequate facilities. We need DNA to match against the DNA samples from the families of the Malaysian citizens. The process will be carried out once the search and rescue (SAR) operation concludes.”
Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Foreign Minister of Malaysia
Genetic material has already been successfully harvested from the next of kin belonging to the 55 Malaysians who remain unaccounted for, according to disaster response announcements made public on Saturday.
Specialized Rescue Teams Deploy to Kathmandu
While diplomatic channels negotiate the genetic identification protocols, physical assistance has already touched down on the ground. The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team, designated as SMART MAS01, arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport aboard a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency, the contingent cleared logistical manifests and protocols by 4:30 pm local time after touching down at noon on September 6. The deployment consists of 11 officers equipped with 12.4 tonnes of specialized gear, including tunnel rescue systems, high-capacity drones, detection tools, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and a 10-tonne truck intended to navigate rough terrain during ongoing operations.
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