Malaysian authorities have made preparations to receive the remains of Malaysians who perished in the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine.
Bernama notes increased activity at Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) Bunga Raya Complex, with hearses seen being on standby outside the complex alongside military personnel from the Royal Malay Regiment in full uniform, some of whom were seen carrying coffins in lockstep. Several tents were also being set up in the vicinity.
Out of the 298 people on board Flight MH17 were 43 Malaysians. Their remains are expected to arrive in KLIA in three weeks’ time.
An official involved in the processing of the returning bodies related that the early preparation at the Bunga Raya Complex was to ensure that the arrival process would go off without a hitch in future.
“Today is only a rehearsal to receive the remains. It is still in the planning stage and is not finalised yet. There are a few things to iron out and a meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss the matter further,” he said.
On Thursday July 17, Flight MH17 was believed to have been shot down and crashed in the Dontesk province in eastern Ukraine. All 298 people on board are believed to have died.
227 of the victims’ remains have been handed over to Dutch authorities, which is leading the international investigation into the crash. The Netherlands lost 193 of its citizens in the crash.
See Also:
The Netherlands mourn as 154 Dutch perish on Flight MH17
PM Najib wants bodies of MH17 victims home before Hari Raya
MH17: Separatist rebels finally hand over black boxes to Malaysian investigators
Video: The Netherlands’ foreign minister makes emotional plea for UN action on MH17
Putrajaya to set aside special burial ground for Muslim MH17 victims
