KLANG — The Health Ministry has deployed a team of psychiatrists to assist the grieving families of the victims of the tragic plane crash that took place near the Elmina township, near Shah Alam, earlier today.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said she has personally met with several family members at the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR), where the process of identifying the remains is underway.
“We are expediting all necessary procedures to facilitate prompt arrangements for funerals, allowing the families to bid farewell to their loved ones,” she added.
Zaliha also said that ongoing search and rescue efforts remain a priority for her team.
However, she could not provide a definitive timeline for the conclusion of these efforts, or the finalisation of the body identification process.
“Our teams were promptly dispatched to the crash site, with one unit from Sungai Buloh and another from HTAR. Our forensic experts collaborated with the Fire and Rescue Department and the police,” Zaliha said.
According to her, the Ministry has placed another 20 to 30 individuals on standby, including those assisting in the forensic department.
The plane crash near Elmina has claimed the lives of ten individuals, including Pahang Local Government, Housing, Environment, and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Seri Johari Harun, who also served as Pelangai assemblyman.
Wanita Umno exco member Datuk Roslin Abd Rahman expressed her profound grief over Johari’s death, describing him as an exceptional leader.
“I couldn’t hold back my tears because I remember him as a good (party) member, an exemplary and gracious leader,” she said when met at HTAR.
“Go to him with any problems, he will help resolve it.”
Meanwhile, Pahang state assembly speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin, the DUN Pahang speaker, said the entire cost of the funeral arrangements for Johari will be covered by the state government.
“We regarded him as a diligent individual and envisioned him as a prospective leader in Pahang. His passing has left us deeply saddened.
“Despite his potential as a young leader, we believe that this is a manifestation of God’s will. The state government will take care of all the necessary arrangements for his remains,” Sharkar told reporters at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah in Klang, earlier tonight.
Sharkar expressed that he had intended to meet with Johari at his office yesterday, but unfortunately, he did not receive a response.
“Our most recent conversation was during a programme last week. He frequently sought my advice on political matters. This is indeed a very sad incident,” he added. — August 17, 2023