Malaysia requested permission from Nepal to deploy the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to assist search and rescue operations following severe floods and landslides in Nepal on August 26, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The request was made by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan during a phone call with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Monday, August 31 [1, 2, 3, 4].

The discussion centered on the latest SAR efforts and locating 55 Malaysian nationals who remain uncontactable in the disaster areas [1, 2, 3, 4]. Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said, "The discussion focused on the latest developments in the SAR operations, particularly efforts to locate Malaysians who remain uncontactable following the floods and landslides in Nepal recently" [1].

Earlier, on August 30, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the government's decision to send the SMART team to Nepal to help in rescue operations [1, 2, 3, 4]. He said, "The SMART team was also tasked with locating and bringing home affected Malaysians, as well as assisting the Embassy of Malaysia in Nepal in coordinating aid and ensuring their safety and welfare" [2].

Malaysia also pledged US$1 million (about RM4.02–4.03 million) to support Nepal's flood victims and aid recovery efforts [1, 2, 3, 4].

The floods and landslides, which struck in Nepal's mountainous regions near the China border, have killed at least 919 people and left nearly 4,800 missing, including 853 foreign nationals, according to Anadolu Ajansi on August 31 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Six days after the disaster, search and rescue operations continue, with authorities working to reach stranded workers at hydroelectric sites [1, 2, 3, 4].

The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu reports receiving cooperation and assistance from the Nepalese government to manage the emergency and affected Malaysian citizens [1, 2, 3, 4].

The next concrete step is awaiting Nepal's approval for the SMART team deployment to support ongoing SAR efforts and assist Malaysians affected by the disaster [1, 2, 3, 4].