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Malaysia to seek Nepal approval for helicopter crash DNA testing

Authorities plan to hand over remains from a helicopter crash to families while pursuing cross-border cooperation to accelerate victim identification through DNA analysis conducted in Kuala Lumpur.

LSN Malaysia · 12 September 2026

Malaysia to seek Nepal approval for helicopter crash DNA testing

Malaysian authorities are moving forward with plans to return remains from a recent helicopter crash to the families of victims, as investigations continue into the incident. The process is expected to provide closure to grieving relatives while authorities work to formally identify the deceased through established procedures.

In a bid to expedite victim identification, Malaysia is seeking approval from Nepalese authorities to transfer DNA samples to Kuala Lumpur for analysis. The move reflects coordination between the two nations to leverage Malaysia's laboratory capabilities and accelerate the identification timeline for victims of the crash.

The helicopter incident has drawn significant attention across the region, with both countries working to ensure dignified handling of remains and swift identification procedures. Malaysian officials have indicated that cooperation with Nepal is progressing smoothly, though formal approval from Kathmandu is required before samples can be transported across borders.

Authorities emphasised that victim identification remains a priority as families await updates on their loved ones. The use of advanced DNA testing facilities in Malaysia is expected to complement on-ground investigations and provide definitive identification results in the coming weeks.