Racist Comments Question Singaporean Identity Of Those Missing In Nepal-Tibet Floods

Families of nine Singaporeans missing after floods along the Nepal-Tibet border are appealing for more updates on rescue efforts.

Among them are sisters Kenisha and Parnika, whose Singaporean parents, Shubakshi and Sumit Rawla, remain missing. The sisters have since appealed for help in a video message. However, their video appeal has drawn a wave of racist comments online, with some netizens questioning their Singaporean identity based on their appearance and accents.

One of those who criticised the comments was Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Alex Yam.

In a Facebook post, he said debates over immigration, citizenship and integration had no place during a tragedy, when families were anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

He also urged people to show compassion, regardless of race or nationality.

Youth-led advocacy group hash.peace has also condemned the insensitive and discriminatory comments targeting the nine Singapore missing after floods and landslides in Nepal and Tibet.

The group said their race, nationality or background should not determine whether they deserve compassion, urging Singaporeans to avoid turning a tragedy into a debate about race and identity and to engage online with greater empathy.

The nine Singaporeans are among nearly 4,200 people reported missing after a wall of ice, mud and rock collapsed into a mountain river, triggering a flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border. The death toll has risen to 900.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is in contact with the affected families, while the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi and Singapore Embassy in Beijing are working with the Nepali and Chinese authorities on the situation.

According to the Government's Population in Brief, the number of people granted Singapore citizenship through naturalisation or registration has increased in recent years.

In 2024, 22,766 people were granted Singapore citizenship, up from 22,140 in 2023.

In a February 2026 parliamentary speech, DPM Gan Kim Yong said Singapore granted around 25,000 new citizenships in 2025. He added that the Government expects to grant between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years.