SHAH ALAM: A sombre air hung over the lobby of Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) headquarters today when 27 of its staff, who survived a tour bus crash in Turkey last Wednesday, arrived this afternoon.
More than 100 PKNS staff had waited patiently for their arrival at about 1pm after their flight from Tehran touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 10am.
They returned without their colleague, 50-year-old Azalan Miswan, who was killed in the accident while on their way from Pamukkale to Cappadocia.
PKNS chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain hugged his male staff as they stepped down from the bus, while some staff were fighting hard to hold back their tears.
Emotions were mixed. On one hand they were relieved to have their colleagues back after the tragedy. On the other hand, they were feeling the huge void that Azalan, who had served PKNS for over three decades, had left.
Azizi described Azalan, who was a sales executive at the property division, as a hardworking, highly motivated, reliable and cheerful person.
“His passing is a huge loss. Throughout his tenure, he helped in bringing a lot of profits to PKNS and always hit his sales target. He was also active in sports and was a role model to others in PKNS.
“I wish to extend my condolences to Azalan’s wife, Wan Faridah Ahmad, their three children and family members for the loss. I hope they will be strong during this difficult time,” said Azizi.
He added PKNS would also extend financial assistance to Azalan’s family.
Azizi also advised staff who had survived the crash to focus on their health and not worry too much about work.
“I am glad to have all of you back. Do not think about work just yet. Go get yourselves checked at the hospital. Only after all is well should you come back to work,” he said.
Azizi also thanked the Malaysian Embassy in Ankara, the Foreign Ministry and government agencies for rendering their assistance to PKNS staff.
Azalan’s body was repatriated to Malaysia on Saturday and was buried at the Section 21 Muslim cemetery.
Six more PKNS staff - Shahmun Ishak, Zurani Mohamad Darum, Amim Mohamad Darum, Norzakiah Mohd Akhir, Shamsul Bahrin Md Shukur and Mohd Zain Sarman - will arrive home tonight.