Kuala lumpur: Wisma Putra has been urged to establish a dedicated one-stop centre to provide direct, regular, and consistent updates to the next of kin of 91 Malaysians who remain uncontactable following the disaster at the Nepal-China border. Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran emphasized the need for a centre equipped with a 24-hour hotline, case reference numbers, and readily available officers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yuneswaran stated that a dedicated liaison officer must be appointed for each family to ensure that no next of kin is left out of the information loop and to eliminate the need to contact various agencies for updates. As of 8 pm yesterday, Wisma Putra reported that 55 Malaysians in Nepal and 36 in China remained uncontactable, with figures undergoing verification and cross-checking to avoid duplicate reports.

The uncontactable individuals include tourists, climbers, pilgrims visiting Mount Kailash, and two officers from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM). Yuneswaran proposed daily briefings at fixed times for the affected families, even if no new information is available, to alleviate the stress and suffering caused by a lack of information.

Coordination between Wisma Putra, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), JBPM, Nepalese and Chinese authorities, travel agencies, and telecommunications companies must be intensified. This coordination is necessary to verify travel manifests, passport numbers, travel routes, and the last known locations of the individuals. Yuneswaran also suggested providing psychosocial support in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and The Health Ministry, as well as assistance with documentation, travel, and logistics for the next of kin in need.

He urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, photographs, or figures to prevent confusion and heighten the families' anxiety.