MH17: Malaysia declares national day of mourning on Aug 22

Flowers and stuffed animals are left in memory of the victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 at the Korporaal van Oudheusdenkazerne in Hilversum, where the identification process of the victims is taking place on Aug 3, 2014. Malaysia has decl
Flowers and stuffed animals are left in memory of the victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 at the Korporaal van Oudheusdenkazerne in Hilversum, where the identification process of the victims is taking place on Aug 3, 2014. Malaysia has declared Aug 22 as a national day of mourning for victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, when the remains of 15 victims will be brought back to Malaysia on a special flight. -- PHOTO: AFP

PUTRAJAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK): Malaysia has declared Aug 22 as a national day of mourning for victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, when the remains of 15 victims will be brought back to Malaysia on a special flight.

Making the announcement Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said, however, the day will not be a public holiday.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin said the identities of the 15 would be revealed on Aug 22, but he said six were Muslims.

He also said that a Dutch victim would be flown to Malaysia.

"The next-of-kin of the Dutch citizen requested for the remains to be cremated in Malaysia," he said.

Mr Muhyiddin said the receiving ceremony would be held at the Bunga Raya Complex in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

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