Nepal’s recent proposal to reduce the period for declaring missing persons dead following a disaster from 12 years to 45 days has brought a measure of relief to the families of 54 Malaysians still missing after floods and a landslide at the Nepal-China border in late August.
The tragedy occurred on August 26 when devastating floods and a landslide hit the Bhotekoshi region, leaving dozens unaccounted for. Currently, the legal framework in Nepal requires a missing person to be absent for 12 years before being officially declared dead, a provision that families of the missing have found agonizingly prolonged.
In response, the Nepalese government has recommended enacting an ordinance to amend this law, significantly shortening the period to 45 days under exceptional circumstances tied to the disaster. Nepal’s Education Minister and government spokesman Sasmit Pokhrel indicated that this change aims to facilitate faster closure for families affected by the Bhotekoshi floods.
The group Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (Masfih), representing the families of the missing Malaysians, welcomed the proposal. Masfih spokesman Dr. Manivannan Rethinam described the initiative as a critical step to alleviate the emotional and financial distress endured by the families over the nearly one-and-a-half months since the disaster. However, with the 45-day period set to expire imminently, and the amendment still under legal consideration, Masfih has urged the Malaysian government to clarify the applicable legal status to prevent confusion among the affected families.
In parallel, Masfih has been actively engaging with Malaysian financial institutions to address the economic impact on the victims’ families. Bank Negara Malaysia has agreed to meet with five Masfih representatives on October 12 to discuss possible moratoriums and temporary assistance concerning personal financial obligations. Additionally, AmBank was acknowledged for being the first to extend financial aid to all 54 families through the AmBank Foundation. Efforts are currently underway to consolidate information to facilitate the distribution of this support.
Masfih is also awaiting responses to requests for official discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Attorney General’s Chambers. These meetings aim to explore legal protections and future directions to assist the families affected by the disaster.
Those wishing to provide assistance to the families can reach Masfih at 012-2231303 or via email at masfihmy@gmail.com.