Malaysia To Offer Counselling To Family Members Of Nepal Disaster Victims

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has expressed its readiness to offer assistance and psychosocial support to family members of Malaysians affected by the Nepal disaster if needed, said its Minister  Nancy Shukri.

She said any assistance would be coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KLN), including to identify individuals who need further support and assistance.

"We are in touch through KLN... KPWKM would be informed when they need assistance, they will be informed to us and God willing we will cooperate through KLN. We cannot simply go like that. KLN will also help and inform us," she said.

She told the media after attending the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the Department of Social Welfare here Thursday, which was officiated by the Prime Minister's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Nancy also explained that psychosocial support is indeed part of the KPWKM's standard operating procedure (SOP) when a disaster occurs or a situation requires placement such as in a temporary evacuation centre (PPS).

"We do have it (providing psychosocial assistance). If there is a PPS, we have counselors there. Some play with the children. That has become our normal SOP, unless they need more intensive psychosocial assistance, we will increase our staff," she said.

It was reported that 77 Malaysians who have been traced in Tibet and Nepal have returned or are in the process of returning to Malaysia following the development of the disaster in the respective countries.

Anadolu Agency reported that the death toll from the disaster has increased to 1,220 people while 4,762 people including 844 foreigners are still missing.

-- BERNAMA