KUALA LUMPUR: Banks have given interim assurances that they will not pressure families of 54 Malaysians missing after floods in Nepal, Malaysia Solidarity Families in Hope said.
Its coordinator and spokesperson, Dr R. Manivannan, said the assurance followed a two-and-a-half-hour meeting at Bank Negara Malaysia involving financial institutions, insurance companies and the missing Malaysians' next of kin.
"Banks have assured the families that they will not pursue loan repayments or other payments until an agreement is reached," he said.
Dr Manivannan said Masfih welcomed the commitment but was awaiting a written framework from Bank Negara setting out measures to protect the families from further financial hardship.
He said the families needed a clear, coordinated solution to their loved ones' outstanding financial commitments.
"We have stopped the bleeding but not treated the injuries," he said.
In a separate statement, Bank Negara said the meeting involved 44 next of kin and representatives from financial institutions and financial service providers.
It said the discussions aimed to better understand the challenges families faced in managing the victims' financial affairs and to work towards appropriate and reasonable solutions.
"Bank Negara and the financial industry representatives also reiterated readiness to extend appropriate relief and support to the families of the victims affected by this tragedy, in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements," the central bank said.
Bank Negara said the meeting also agreed that financial service providers would assign dedicated contact persons to reach out to the respective families and help them navigate administrative processes.
Dr Manivannan said Masfih had submitted a 35-page proposal to Bank Negara outlining relief measures, including a mechanism to address outstanding loans, credit commitments and liabilities while the missing people's status remained unresolved.
He said Bank Negara had appointed four officers to liaise with the families.
The officers would serve as points of contact, reducing the need for families to repeatedly explain their circumstances to different banks, insurers and agencies.
Masfih had also requested an additional officer who speaks Tamil and understands the case to improve communication with affected families, Dr Manivannan said.
"We have asked for one more officer who is Tamil-speaking and understands the matter so that communication with the affected families can be clearer and more effective," he said.
He said the arrangement would also help protect families from scam calls seeking personal or financial information.
"We want to ensure that they do not fall victim to scam calls or provide sensitive information to people who claim to represent the authorities or financial institutions," he said.
A mountain and glacier collapse near Nepal's border with China triggered catastrophic flooding in the Himalayas on Aug 26.
More than 1,400 people were killed and over 5,000 remain missing after tsunami-like waves swept through northern mountainous areas, destroying homes, roads, bridges and settlements.
Dr Manivannan said the interim assurances were a positive first step but should not replace a formal policy covering the families' financial concerns.
Masfih also wanted an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to facilitate a coordinated government response and secure clear assurances on the way forward.
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