17 Malaysians Performing Religious Rituals at Mount Kailash Uncontactable Amidst Nepal Floods

A group of 17 Malaysian nationals undertaking a religious pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet has become uncontactable following a flood disaster near the Nepal-Tibet border. The situation has caused significant anxiety among their families, as communication was lost more than 24 hours ago. The group, managed by Nepal-based Fishtail Tours & Travels, was scheduled to be on their pilgrimage until September 5.

The last known contact with the group was at approximately 8:18 AM Nepal time on Wednesday, when they were reported to be about two kilometers from the Nepal-Tibet Immigration Checkpoint. Since then, all contact has been lost. Attempts to reach the travel agency and the Malaysian Embassy have so far yielded no information.

Wisma Putra, Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that 55 Malaysians registered with the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu are currently uncontactable. The embassy is working closely with Nepalese authorities, search and rescue teams, and the travel agency to ensure the safety and whereabouts of the affected Malaysians. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed all relevant departments to expedite efforts to identify and contact the missing individuals.

The floods, caused by heavy rainfall and glacial debris near the Bhote Koshi River, have disrupted communication and severed the main route connecting the affected districts of Rasuwa and Nuwakot to the capital, Kathmandu. This has hampered rescue efforts and access to those affected. The route is commonly used by pilgrims heading to Mount Kailash and trekkers en route to the Everest region.

In contrast, another group of Malaysians led by Everest climber Datuk N. Mohanadas, consisting of 56 people including 39 Malaysians, has been confirmed safe in Tibet and continuing their pilgrimage without incident.