SEPANG: Words deserted several Malaysia Airlines (MAS) personnel as they were overcome with profound sadness as the remains of nine of their 15 colleagues who perished in the MAS Flight MH17 crash in Ukraine arrived home yesterday.
“I’ve got to work today and render MAS’ famed cabin service to our passengers, but only God knows the grief I feel inside,” said a MAS steward who declined to be identified when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday.
He said his thoughts were with the families of those killed when Flight MH17 was believed to have been blown out of the sky over eastern Ukraine on July 17.
Forty-three of the 298 people aboard the ill-fated plane were Malaysians. The remains of 20 of the Malaysians were flown home aboard a special aircaft from Amsterdam yesterday.
In honour of the victims of the Flight MH17 tragedy, MAS yesterday observed a company-wide mourning, with black ribbons distributed to its cabin crew while the company’s flag was flown at half-mast here.
MAS department heads led a moment of silence just before 11am on this day – a day of national mourning – as a mark of respect for the victims, bringing all activities at the KLIA to a brief halt.
“Malaysia Airlines is deeply saddened by this devastating tragedy. It has been a long and painful wait for families and friends of the passengers and crew on board MH17,” said MAS.
The airline said it would organise on Aug 26, tahlil prayers and Yasin recital in remembrance of the passengers and crew of Flight MH17, as well as a special prayer for MAS Flight MH370 which has been missing since March 8.
A MAS customer service staff, identified only as Nizah, 32, said she felt a deep sadness and her hands shivered while observing the moment of silence.
“I would have liked to join my friends at the Bunga Raya Complex, KLIA (for the MH17 ceremonial honours event) but unfortunately, I’ve to take care of the customer service counter,” said the woman who has been with MAS for 14 years.
Meanwhile, several KLIA users interviewed said they shared the pain felt by the airline staff.
Norliana Abu Bakar Samad said she and five of her family members came to the airport to witness the arrival of the special aircraft from Amsterdam. — Bernama