Malaysian listed as ‘uncontactable’ after Nepal floods returns home safely, 54 still missing

A search and rescue team member, along with a sniffer dog, looks for missing people following the August 26 flash flood, on the banks of the Trishuli River in Nepal's Nuwakot district on September 30, 2026. — AFP pic

First Published: Saturday, 03 Oct 2026 11:14 AM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 3 — A Malaysian previously reported as uncontactable following floods and landslides in Nepal has returned safely to Malaysia, the Foreign Ministry said today.

The ministry said the individual presented himself at the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu on October 1, where officials verified his identity and confirmed that he was safe, before he returned to Malaysia yesterday.

“Following his return, the relevant authorities in Malaysia will record a statement from the individual to complete the official record concerning his case,” it said in a statement.

“The individual will also undergo a health assessment,” it added.

The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is meanwhile carrying out further checks with Nepalese authorities and reviewing relevant records following the development.

“With his status now confirmed, the Ministry’s record stands at 54 Malaysians reported as uncontactable,” Wisma Putra said.

The ministry said it would continue verifying each case separately and would not disclose further details about the Malaysian who returned, citing his privacy.

It said Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority announced on September 30 that search-and-rescue operations had ended and transitioned to search-and-recovery efforts.

Wisma Putra stressed that the transition would not end Malaysia’s efforts to establish the status of the 54 Malaysians, with verification continuing through its embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing, relevant authorities and other official channels.

The Malaysians were reported uncontactable after devastating floods and debris flows struck Nepal and parts of neighbouring Tibet on August 26.

The disaster, linked to glacial ice and rock collapses in the upper catchment of Lhende Khola in Tibet, was reported to have killed more than 1,450 people, with thousands more unaccounted for.