Nepal Moves to Expedite Death Certificates for Missing Malaysians

The Nepali government is taking steps to expedite the issuance of death certificates for 54 Malaysians who have been missing since devastating floods and landslides struck Nepal on August 26, 2026. Currently, Nepali law mandates a waiting period of up to three years before death certificates can be issued for individuals unaccounted for after a disaster. However, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced that Nepal is considering amending this law to reduce the waiting period to just 45 days.

During a recent meeting with representatives from the Nepali embassy, Mohamad was informed about the government's efforts to introduce these legal amendments in parliament. Should these amendments not be feasible, the Nepali government has indicated it will make special arrangements to ensure that the death certificates can be issued without delay. This is particularly important for the families of the missing individuals, as they need these certificates to handle matters related to banks and insurance claims.

“The Nepali government is pursuing the legal amendments and will table them to parliament.”Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysian Foreign Minister

As reported by Bernama, the floods and landslides in Nepal resulted in at least 1,454 fatalities and left over 5,285 people missing. The situation was further complicated by the challenging conditions for search and rescue operations, as the floods severely impacted infrastructure and communication in the affected areas.

“The death certificates are necessary for the victims’ families to manage their affairs.”Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysian Foreign Minister

In a related development, the families of the missing Malaysians have submitted a structured financial rescue plan to Bank Negara Malaysia, seeking assistance while they await news about their loved ones. The urgency of the situation has prompted Malaysian officials to actively engage with their Nepali counterparts to facilitate the necessary legal changes.

On another note, Mohamad also mentioned that Malaysia is currently assessing the potential for providing aid to Indonesia to combat ongoing forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Discussions are underway with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the National Security Council (MKN) regarding the type of assistance that could be extended. The Cabinet will review the outcome of these discussions, especially given the hazardous conditions caused by the fires, which are exacerbated by thick haze and limited visibility.