The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) has disbursed RM174,000 in benefits to the families of 28 victims affected by the devastating floods in the Nepal-Tibet region on August 26, 2026.
Human Resources Minister Dato’ Sri R. Ramanan said the 28 victims, out of 54 identified individuals, met SOCSO’s contribution eligibility requirements, allowing their next of kin to receive financial assistance.
The total payout includes immediate financial aid of RM3,000 and a Survivors’ Pension under the Invalidity Scheme, which SOCSO has disbursed to eligible families.
SOCSO Extends Financial Assistance to 28 Families
Dato’ Sri Ramanan explained that the assistance was provided to families of victims who fulfilled SOCSO’s contribution requirements. He added that 16 of the 28 eligible families were present during the announcement at PERKESO Tower in Kuala Lumpur on November 4, 2026.
He acknowledged that many families continue to face uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones and recognised that financial assistance alone cannot ease the emotional distress caused by the tragedy.
Government Ensures Families Receive Necessary Protection
Dato’ Sri Ramanan said the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), through SOCSO, is committed to ensuring that families, particularly those who have lost their primary breadwinners, do not have to face the financial burden alone.
He also stressed that SOCSO had conducted a thorough review to ensure that all eligible next-of-kin were identified and not overlooked when distributing the benefits. For families whose loved ones do not have a record of SOCSO contributions, the organisation will continue looking into other possible forms of assistance.
Additional Support Through Social Synergy Programme
Beyond the financial benefits, SOCSO will also assist affected families through its Social Synergy Programme, which connects individuals with relevant government agencies and support organisations.
Through the programme, families can be linked to 990 strategic partners, including 130 agencies nationwide, to identify additional assistance that may help ease their financial and personal difficulties. The pension disbursement process would continue once all the necessary information and documentation had been completed.
What Happened During the Nepal-Tibet Floods?
On August 26, 2026, devastating flash floods struck areas along the Nepal-China border, affecting parts of Nepal and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.
The disaster was believed to have been triggered by the collapse of a Himalayan glacier, which sent a massive flow of ice, rocks, mud and water downstream, causing widespread destruction.
Several communities, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities were severely affected, while thousands of people were reported dead or missing in the aftermath. The disaster also affected foreign nationals, including Malaysians who were reported missing.
The tragedy prompted extensive search-and-rescue operations involving local authorities and international assistance as families continued searching for their missing loved ones.
Source; Malaymail
