KUALA LUMPUR: The remains of all 10 military personnel who perished in the helicopter crash in Lumut, Perak last Tuesday have been laid to rest today, with the final body being that of the late Lieutenant T Sivasutan, earlier this afternoon.
Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed gratitude to all parties who offered their condolences following the incident.
"We express our gratitude to everyone who has shared their condolences. To His Majesty the King, as well as to the government under the leadership of Prime Minister and all the people of Malaysia who felt and were affected by the tragedy," he said.
He made these remarks during a press conference after attending an Open House celebration for Aidilfitri at the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) today.
He added that he had the opportunity to be with the family of one of the victims last night to witness the burial proceedings firsthand.
"I had the chance to speak with his wife who requested to convey her gratitude to the entire Malaysian population for their wishes.
"She also informed the Malaysian people to appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of the military personnel. She said, as a wife, she knows best the contributions and sacrifices made by the deceased," he said.
Meanwhile, Khaled reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all forms of assistance to the next of kin will be properly managed.
"We will ensure that any assistance due to the families of the victims and their next of kin will be managed properly. Regarding pensions, rewards, insurance, savings in cooperatives, or LTAT (Armed Forces Fund Board), all of these are being properly managed," he said.
In a statement, the Royal Malaysian Navy said the funeral ceremony for the last victim, Lieutenant T. Sivasutan was completed at 12.30pm today.
"Earlier, a prayer ceremony was held starting at 9am at the late's family home in Sitiawan, Perak before the remains were taken to the Manjung Hindu Sabha Sanathana Dharma Ashram Crematorium Centre accompanied by Navy guards for the final respects.
Meanwhile, final respects were also paid to the late Chief Petty Officer Joanna Felicia Rohna at the Christian Cemetery in Kampung Engkaroh, Serian, Sarawak at 11.33am, said the statement from the Navy.
Following completion of the burial ceremonies, the Navy will stop flying the flag at half-mast.