KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has observed a company-wide mourning for the loss those who perished on board the ill-fated Flight MH17.
The national carrier said in a statement today that as a mark of respect for the victims who perished, black ribbons have also been distributed to its cabin crew while the company's flag half mast.
It said: "All department heads across the organisation led a one-minute silence and recital of Al-Fatihah at 10.55am simultaneously, while the official ceremony was being carried out at Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport earlier."
The company has also approved time-off from 10am to 2pm to allow staff based in Kuala Lumpur to pay their last respects to their colleagues and friends by lining the road from the complex as the procession left for the respective final resting places.
MAS will also be organising a tahlil prayer and recital of Yassin in remembrance of the passengers and crew of MH17, and a special prayer for MH370 tomorrow.
It will be held at Tengku Kelana Jaya Petra Mosque, and this will also give the public a chance to pay their last respects and offer prayers to the victims.
The remains of 20 Malaysians arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 9.54am today via Flight MH6129 which departed Schipol Airport, Amsterdam at 3.23pm (local time) on Thursday. The flight was commanded by Captain Datuk Missman Leham.