MH17: Preparations underway for return of victims' remains
Military personnel undergoing a full dress rehearsal in preparation for the return of victims' remains. - Bernama
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SEPANG: Malaysia is making preparations to receive the remains of Malaysian victims in the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crash at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Bunga Raya Complex here.
Hearses were seen on standby outside the complex while military personnel from the Royal Malay Regiment in full uniform were seen carrying coffins. Several tents were also being set up.
The remains of 43 Malaysians in the ill-fared airliner, which went down in Ukraine while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, are expected to arrive in the country in three weeks' time.
According to an official involved in the handling of the remains of the Malaysian victims, the early preparations were to ensure the arrival process would be done smoothly.
"Today is only a rehearsal to receive the remains. It is still in the planning stage and is not finalised yet.
"There are a few things to iron out and a meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss the matter further," he said.
On July 17 a Boeing 777, carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew, was believed to be have been shot down.
To date, a total of 227 coffins with the remains of flight MH17 victims had been handed over to authorities in the Netherlands, which is leading the international investigation team.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is expected to arrive in The Hague Thursday, is scheduled to meet his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte to discuss the identification of the victims and the repatriation of the remains and bringing those responsible to face justice. - Bernama
