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Malaysian automotive company Proton has extended drones support worth nearly RM 200,000 (Rs. 7.42 million) to the Government of Nepal to assist disaster assessment and response efforts following the recent devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River.

The drones were first handed over to Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) at the headquarters of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) in Malaysia.

According to the Company, the equipment will be transported to Nepal by SMART, which is currently deployed in Nepal as part of Malaysia’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission. "The drones are intended for Nepal and will remain in the country following their handover," the company informed in a statement.

Representing Proton at the drone handover ceremony was Edmund Lim Meng Thong, CEO of Proton International Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB), while NADMA was represented by its Director General, Ismail bin Meor Akim. The handover was also attended by representatives from Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Choo Hwai Jeng and Encik Zul Izwan Hamzah.

Speaking at the handover, Lim said the contribution was intended to provide practical support to Nepal’s ongoing humanitarian and disaster response efforts, noting that drones could provide valuable aerial visibility of affected areas, particularly locations that may be difficult or unsafe to reach immediately. He added that the SMART would provide the necessary training to the relevant Nepali agency before handing over the equipment.

Likewise, Jagdamba Motors has also contributed Rs. 40 million to the PMDRF and extending the additional kind support. "The collaboration between Proton and Jagdamba Motors reflects a shared commitment to standing alongside the people of Nepal during challenging times and contributing meaningfully to national relief and recovery efforts," the company said.Jagadamba Motors is the distributor of Proton motors in Nepal.

Yak and Yeti contributes Rs. 10.11 million

Meanwhile, Hotel Yak and Yeti has contributed Rs. 10.11 million to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi flood.

The hotel said in a statement on Wednesday that the donation was made under its corporate social responsibility programme with the aim of supporting the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of affected citizens during the difficult circumstances caused by the disaster.

A delegation comprising hotel director Arun Kumar Saraf, his mother Ratna Devi Saraf, and his brother Umesh Saraf handed over the donation to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle.

Arun is also a director of Taragaon Regency Hotels Limited (Hyatt Regency Kathmandu).

Expressing the hope that the assistance would contribute to the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of citizens affected by natural disasters, Saraf pledged to continue providing support in the days ahead, as required.

Photo: TRN Malaysian automotive company Proton is supporting disaster assessment and response efforts in Nepal by providing drones to assist in the aftermath of the devastating floods.