"Azfar's death is a big blow to the family."

Those are the words of Muhammad Azman Tahir, whose youngest brother, Mohamad Azfar drowned at Cunca Wulang waterfalls, in the Mibeliling district in Flores, Indonesia, last Saturday.

Muhammad Azman, 44, said he did not expect the one-week getaway, which began on April 11, for his brother and his friends would come to a tragic end.

Describing his youngest brother as a jovial and friendly person, Muhammad Azman said Mohamad Azfar was very excited about making the trip with his friends.

"We used to go on family vacations, but this time, he was thrilled as it would be his first holiday outing with his former schoolmates," he told Bernama when met at his home at Kampung Padang Balang, Sentul, here today.

He said Mohamad Azfar, 23, was very close to his mother and sister.

READ: Cunca Wulang waterfalls tragedy: Ezzaq Azraf, Azfar laid to rest

READ: Two Malaysians missing after going swimming in Flores

READ: Missing Malaysians in Flores found drowned

"My mother was shocked when she heard about the incident ... Azfar and his friends were supposed to return home yesterday, but we never expected this. Nevertheless we accept his death as fate," he said.

On his brother's friendship with Mohamad Ezzaq Azraf Azumi, 23, who also drowned in the incident, Muhammad Azman said they had been best friends since their primary schooldays.

The remains of Mohamad Azfar and Mohamad Ezzaq Azraf Azumi arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 7.05pm yesterday and Mohamad Azfar's remains were laid to rest at the Batu Muda, Gombak Muslim cemetery at 11pm last night.