SHAH ALAM, Sept 24 — The families of 55 Malaysians who remain missing following last month’s massive floods and landslides in Nepal are still hoping their loved ones will be found and will not draw any conclusions until there is official confirmation of their fate.
Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (MASFIH) spokesman Manivannan Rethinam said that although 29 days had passed, the families still believed there was a possibility that their loved ones could be found, reported Harian Metro.
“We still have hope. We believe miracles can still happen.
“After 29 days, we realise that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult. However, we also cannot rule out the possibility that some of them may have been swept to other areas, helped by locals or are in remote areas without access to communication,” he said when contacted.
Manivannan, who is also the brother of one of the missing Malaysians, Komathi Rethinam, said the families are also prepared to face any possibility.
“If some of them could not be saved, we hope their remains will be found, identified and brought home so that their final rites can be carried out according to their respective religions and beliefs.
“For us, the most painful thing is not knowing what happened to our loved ones. That is why the search must continue until we get a definite answer,” he said.
MASFIH also expressed its appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for proposing that an official mechanism be established to assist the families of the 55 Malaysians if search efforts fail to provide certainty about their fate.
Manivannan said the group also welcomed Anwar’s direct discussion with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on the fate of the Malaysians on Tuesday.
