GEORGE TOWN: The body of Malaysian teenager Muhammad Haziq Mohd Tarmizi was laid to rest at about 4pm (New Zealand time) at the Memorial Park cemetery in Bromley, New Zealand, today.
The 17-year-old was the sole Malaysian killed when a terrorist opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch last Friday.
49 other people of various nationalities also lost their lives in the attack that took place at the Linwood Mosque and Al Noor Mosque.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who is in contact with the family, said the burial ceremony was attended by family members, including Muhammad Haziq’s father, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib, 46, who was also injured in the attack.
Mohd Tarmizi was at the burial in a wheel chair.
“I have been in constant contact with the family, and I was told his (Haziq) remains have been buried,” he said.
Earlier, Wisma Putra confirmed that Muhammad Haziq who was initially reported as missing following the attack had died.
"The Government of Malaysia conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family of the Allahyarham Muhammad Haziq bin Mohd Tarmizi.
"The High Commission of Malaysia will render its assistance to the family in the burial process.
"Datuk Seri Dr. Mujahid bin Yusof Rawa, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department will also be flying to Christchurch to represent the government in giving support to the Malaysians affected by this tragic incident," Wisma Putra said in a statement.
Another two Malaysians injured in the attacks were Muhammad Nazril Hisham Omar, 46, and Rahimi Ahmad, 39.
Muhammad Haziq was at the Masjid Al Noor mosque with his father and younger brother when a gunman opened fire.
Azrul and Penang Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh were sent by the Penang government to Christchurch on the day of the incident to attend to the Malaysian victims there. They returned home yesterday.
Speaking at a press conference today, Phee said it took the New Zealand authority some time to confirm Muhammad Haziq’s identity as they needed to conduct a DNA identification.
“Also, the New Zealand government is very strict when it comes to its Privacy Act.
“There are so many deaths which need careful identification by the family,” he said, dispelling claims on why it took some time to identify Muhammad Haziq’s remains.
Phee said the late teenager's mother, Marina Zahari, was asked to provide details about her son to police on Sunday, including his correct name, photo, any peculiar marks on his body as well as the clothes he was wearing at the time the attack took place.
“On Monday, there was a process to carry out the necessary checks. By Tuesday, they (the New Zealand authority) more or less hinted but had to reconfirm by getting a DNA (test) done, which took time.
“However, all their experts were there to help out. From there, they released the information directly to the family first and not to me or even our Consulate there. Thereafter, they informed our Foreign Minister before making it public," he said, adding that everyone had been very cooperative and he was satisfied they had done the best they could.
He said that the New Zealand authority had to think "out of the box" on how all 50 bodies were to be treated with due respect.
“They have also given their assurance in terms of medical care for the (injured) victims. A lot of people are looking at the dead but they are looking beyond, especially those injured and the trauma cases.
“In that mosque, more than 500 people gathered there. Many of them are students, who were traumatised by the event. They had to reach out to all of them,” he said.