Malaysia Coordinating Aid, SMART to Nepal – PM Anwar

BUTTERWORTH: Malaysia is coordinating the sending of aid to Nepal following the massive flood disaster that has struck the country, including the possible deployment of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the National Security Council (MKN) is in close contact with the Nepalese government to determine the appropriate form of assistance, whether in the form of financial aid or the deployment of rescue teams.

“Right now, MKN is coordinating whether we send the SMART team or the amount (of aid) that we will decide,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at the Sembilang Mosque here today.

Anwar said several other countries, including India, China and Bangladesh, have also extended aid following the disaster, which he described as occurring on an unexpected scale.

He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is obtaining the latest list of Malaysians in the affected areas, while continuing efforts to ascertain their status and whereabouts.

Anwar also asked the families of Malaysians in the affected areas to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the provided channels to assist in obtaining the latest information.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister instructed all relevant departments, including the MKN and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to immediately identify and contact Malaysians affected by the disaster.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that 57 Malaysians are still uncontactable following the massive floods that struck yesterday.

The latest figure is based on reports received from family members, friends and employers as of 11 pm, August 27. 

BERNAMA