Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Deputy minister demands Wisma Putra establish crisis hotline for 91 missing Malaysians
A deputy minister has called on the Foreign Ministry to set up a dedicated centre and hotline to assist families of 91 Malaysians unaccounted for in Nepal and China. The move comes amid growing concerns over communication gaps in handling cases of missing citizens.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's deputy minister has pressed Wisma Putra to establish a dedicated one-stop centre with a direct hotline to address the cases of 91 Malaysians reported missing in Nepal and China, highlighting the need for improved coordination and transparency in crisis response.
The call reflects mounting frustration among families of the missing nationals who have struggled to obtain timely updates and consistent information from government authorities. A dedicated centre would streamline communication channels and ensure that affected families receive regular briefings on search and recovery efforts.
The deputy minister emphasised that Wisma Putra should designate personnel to manage enquiries and maintain direct contact with next-of-kin. Such a facility would enable the Foreign Ministry to track cases more effectively and provide reassurance to anxious families during what remains an uncertain situation.
The initiative underscores broader concerns about consular assistance protocols and the government's ability to respond swiftly to large-scale incidents involving Malaysian citizens abroad. Officials have not disclosed specific details about the circumstances of the missing individuals or the status of ongoing investigations and rescue operations.
No timeline has been announced for the establishment of the proposed centre, though the matter is expected to be escalated within the ministry for urgent action.