SEPANG: The gloomy mood outside the Bunga Raya Complex in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday mirrored the feelings of the families of the 20 Malaysian victims of the MH17 tragedy, whose remains were brought home yesterday.
More than 1,000 people, including Malaysia Airlines (MAS) employees, made a beeline to the complex to not only pay their last respects to victims but also to support grieving families who were there to receive the remains of their loved ones.
MAS Boeing 777 pilot Borman Khairuddin, 43, said the airlines’ crew who were not on duty came to pay their last respects to their colleagues. He said he was overwhelmed over the loss of his colleagues who were on board MH17.
“I had worked with First Officer Ahmad Hakimi Hanapi several times. The last time we flew together was on a flight to Amsterdam a month ago.”
He described Hakimi as a gentleman who respected his colleagues.
“A lot of people will miss him.”
Borman said he also knew MH17 chief stewardess Dora Shahila Kassim well.
“My family met her during a trip to Los Angeles. We also know her daughter, Nur Diyana Yazeera Yezli.”
He said his 17-year-old daughter, Putri Nur Inshirah, had made a teddy bear in remembrance of Dora Shahila as a show of support to Nur Diyana.
“My daughter was shocked to learn that Dora had died. It was an unfortunate incident. It teaches us on the importance of unity and appreciation for our colleagues,” Borman said, adding that justice should prevail for the victims and their families.
Abdul Rahman Ahmad, 69, a retiree, said he left for KLIA from his house in Shah Alam after subuh prayers on his motorcycle.
“I arrived about 8am. I wanted to pay my last respects to the victims although I do not know them.
“As Malaysians, we are all affected by the tragedy. I am here for my brothers and sisters who died in the tragedy.”
He said he was saddened that some of the remains were incomplete but thankful that they could still be identified and brought back.
“The victims’ families can now have some closure.”
Housewife Elisa Joyo, 35, said she was in tears when she learnt that flight MH6129 bearing the remains of victims had landed at KLIA.
“It was touching. I was sad yet proud that we managed to bring back some of the victims’ bodies.
“I hope the remaining victims will be identified and brought home soon, too.”