BUSINESSES and religious bodies around the Klang Valley are joining Malaysians nationwide in observing today’s National Day of Mourning for flight MH17, through tributes and prayers.
At Sunway Pyramid, two minutes of silence will be observed at 10am, the moment the first batch of the remains of the victims are expected to arrive from Amsterdam.
“We will make an announcement through our public address (PA) system, asking shoppers and tenants to observe a two-minute silence,” said Sunway Pyramid marketing senior manager Loo Hoey Theen
Loo said that throughout the day, there will be no upbeat music and condolence visuals will be screened on the digital platforms throughout the mall.
“We have sent out a circular to our entertainment outlet tenants, asking them to join us in mourning by toning down their operations.
“We have posted signs at the surau in the mall, encouraging shoppers and workers to recite al-fatihah prayers for the victims of MH17.”
Loo said that no events will take place at the mall today and that shoppers can still write condolence messages on the sympathy board which will not be taken down yet.
A Mid Valley Megamall spokesman, meanwhile, said that its staff have been instructed to don dark colours as a mark of respect.
“We will not be playing any music throughout the day, and events and performances have been cancelled.”
At Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, communications area director, Datuk Rosemarie Wee, said all entertainment at the hotel’s lounge has been cancelled for the day.
“We are also observing two minutes’ of silence during our morning briefing on the day.”
Country Heights Hospitality Division senior general manager Eusebiuss Samm said its two hotels — Mines Wellness Hotel and Palace of the Golden Horses — will obey the protocol for the day.
“Besides flying the Jalur Gemilang and the state flags at half mast, we have advised our staff to wear sombre-coloured attire today,” he said.
Over at Petrosains, public relations and communications head Azura Daud said the centre would be posting a web banner on its website to convey prayers and well wishes to the families affected by MH17 tragedy.
“While we will not change our mode of attire (light blue) as this is the company uniform, we will, however, observe a quieter operations day with no additional activities as a sign of respect.”
Houses of worship will be offering prayers for the victims and loved ones of the ill-fated flight.
Thean Hou Temple president Datuk Woo Ser Chai, said that special prayers would be conducted at the temple.
“We have arranged for over 50 employees and committee members to chant and conduct prayers for the victims.”
Woo said that the temple had put up a signboard at the entrance of the temple shortly after the tragedy, to ask visitors to pray for the victims and their loved ones.
A National Mosque spokesman said special prayers will be held for the MH17 victims after the Friday prayers today.
“We will perform solat jenazah ghaib after Friday prayers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Council of Churches Malaysia general secretary Rev Dr Herman Shastri said that Christians nationwide will be joining Malaysians of other faiths in mourning and prayers.
“Prayers have been ongoing in all member churches since the incident and we will continue to keep the victims and their families in our prayers on the day and after that.”