MIRI: Miri folk held various events to mark the national day of mourning yesterday.
Mosques held the solat jenazah for Muslims victims, while some Christians observed a half-day fast and churches held special prayers throughout the day.
At St Columba’s Church, the church bell tolled for five minutes from 10.30am in remembrance of the MH17 victims. Flags at most offices here were also seen flown at half-mast.
Among those who held special commemoration events was the Miri Housing Group of Companies. Its management and staff observed a minute of silence in front of Meritz Hotel.
“Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those on board MH17, you will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. We share the misery and sadness with the families and loved ones of those involved in the tragedy that gripped the whole nation, including the international community,” said executive Alex Chong, who was among those who joined the gathering.
Meanwhile, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Piasau chairman Datuk Sebastian Ting, who was among those in Kuching to receive the remains of MH17 passengers Ariza Ghazalee and her 19-year-old son Muhammad Afif Tambi, called Aug 22, 2014, a “historic day for Malaysians”.
“It was touching to see the whole nation coming together in unity and solidarity in mourning for the victims,” he said.