Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman
KUCHING: The remains of two Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 crash victims are expected to arrive at the Kuching Air Force (TUDM)base here at 3pm on Friday.
Sarawak Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman said the two remains, to be accompanied by four family members, would be flown here by Charlie
aircraft.
“The remains will be brought to Masjid Jamek, Petra Jaya here for prayers before being taken to the Muslim cemetery in Semariang here for burial as soon they arrive.
“The public can gather at Masjid Jamek to take part in the prayers and pay their last respects,” he told a news conference after chairing a meeting on preparation to receive the remains at TUDM base here yesterday.
Earlier, he inspected the preparation, including a rehearsal that saw 16 military personnel carrying out two coffins from the Charlie airacraft before being brought to a waiting hearse.
Daud said Sarawak Yang dipertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem and other state cabinet members were expected to be at the Masjid Jamek that afternoon.
He said the remains from Armsterdam were expected to arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at about 10am and would leave for Kuching two hours later after the ceremony to pay tribute to the flight MH17 crash victims at the Bunga Raya Complex, KLIA.
On that day, he said the Sarawak state flag would be hoisted at half mast like the Jalur Gemilang as a mark of mourning.
Previously, the media reported that among those killed in the tragedy last July 17 were Tambi Jiee, 49, and his wife Ariza Ghazalee, 46, and their four children Muhammad Afif, 19, Muhammad Afzal, 19, Marsha Azmeena, 15 and Muhammad Afruz, 13, from Semariang. — Bernama