Malaysia gives Nepal US$1m in flood relief aid

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 14 — Malaysia has handed over US$1 million (RM4.08 million) in humanitarian assistance to Nepal to support relief and recovery efforts following devastating floods that struck the country on August 26.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan presented the contribution to Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires in Kuala Lumpur, Mudita Bajracharya, at a ceremony here on Wednesday, according to the Foreign Ministry, also known as Wisma Putra.

“The contribution reflects Malaysia’s unwavering support for the government and people of Nepal during this difficult time,” Wisma Putra said in a statement.

Mohamad also conveyed Malaysia’s deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Nepal, particularly to the families who lost their loved ones and all those affected by the disaster, it said.

Wisma Putra said Mohamad welcomed the Nepalese government’s approval of a new ordinance concerning the declaration of death of victims who remain uncontactable, which reduces the applicable period from 12 years to 45 days from the date of the disaster.

“The new ordinance will provide greater legal and administrative certainty for affected families,” Wisma Putra said.

The ministry said Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires in Kuala Lumpur conveyed that the details of the ordinance and its modalities were being finalised by the government of Nepal.

“Malaysia stands in solidarity with the government and people of Nepal throughout the recovery and reconstruction process and reaffirms its support for international humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of the disaster,” the ministry said. — Bernama