Nepal to expedite verification of 55 missing Malaysians

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 1, 2026

The Nepalese government has agreed to speed up the verification process for 55 missing Malaysians following the deadly floods and debris flow in late August, after a discussion between the two countries’ prime ministers. This commitment is part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to address the disaster's aftermath, including legal coordination and repatriation plans for refugees, while ensuring safety and diplomatic engagement with affected nations.

The Nepalese government has agreed to accelerate the process of verifying the status of 55 Malaysians who remain missing following the severe floods and debris flow that struck the country in late August. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the commitment was conveyed by Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah during a conversation with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The floods, triggered on August 26 by a glacial ice and rock collapse in the upper catchment area of the Lhende Khola in Tibet, have resulted in 1,451 confirmed deaths, with approximately 5,700 people still unaccounted for, including more than 600 foreign nationals. In response to the situation, Prime Minister Anwar has directed Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar to engage in immediate discussions with Nepalese officials, focusing on legal matters and jurisdictional issues involved in the verification process.

In a separate announcement, Fahmi also confirmed that Malaysia is preparing for the second phase of a voluntary repatriation program for Myanmar refugees residing in the country. So far, the first phase saw the repatriation of 1,476 Myanmar nationals, conducted using three vessels including a hospital ship operated by the Myanmar Navy. The group comprised men, women, and children ranging in age from eight to 60.

The second phase is set to involve 3,524 refugees, with the Malaysian government currently awaiting Myanmar’s notification of the repatriation schedule. The names of those involved in this phase were submitted by Myanmar authorities through a diplomatic note dated August 13, 2026. Fahmi said Prime Minister Anwar plans to hold further discussions with Myanmar to facilitate additional returns.

Malaysia has emphasized that repatriations will not proceed if there is any risk of persecution or threats to the individuals concerned. The government is conducting thorough assessments of security conditions and other factors through Wisma Putra, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before any repatriation is carried out.

Additionally, several foreign leaders are expected to visit Malaysia this month. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is scheduled to arrive on October 9, and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing will also hold talks with Prime Minister Anwar. Official details on these visits will be provided by the Prime Minister’s Department and Wisma Putra.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.