In the wake of severe floods and landslides in Nepal, Malaysia is poised to dispatch a team of DNA experts to aid in identifying disaster victims once they receive the green light from Nepalese authorities. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed that the country is seeking approval to send these specialists, who will begin their work after the conclusion of search and rescue operations. The primary goal is to match DNA samples from recovered bodies with those collected from the families of missing Malaysian nationals.
Efforts are already underway in Malaysia, where DNA samples have been gathered from relatives of 55 Malaysians still missing as a result of the natural disasters. Some bodies retrieved from the affected areas were interred swiftly due to limited resources, underscoring the necessity of DNA testing for proper identification.
The Malaysian team, comprising 11 personnel, is equipped with 12.4 tonnes of rescue equipment. This includes advanced detection tools, communication systems, high-capacity drones, and specialized gear for tunnel rescues. Additionally, they have brought along a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a 10-tonne truck to support their operations.
Through a combination of search, rescue, and DNA identification efforts, Malaysia aims to not only locate the missing individuals but also provide closure to the families by confirming the fate of their loved ones. The deployment of these resources reflects Malaysia’s commitment to aiding Nepal in overcoming the aftermath of these devastating events.