Jakim always ready to handle deaths at disaster sites - Jamil Khir

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is always ready to provide assistance in handling bodies of Muslims who die in tragedies or disasters.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said although there was no specific unit to handle bodies of victims in disaster areas, the agency had a standard operating procedure practiced by its officers and staff.

"We have an SOP where our officers and staff handle the bodies at all the mosques and major hospitals in the country, including accident victims.

"So when there is a need following a disaster, we can use our officers who are always ready. This means that the existing SOP is applicable (in case of disaster)," he told reporters after attending a ceremony to present certificates of appreciation to Jakim officials who were involved in the handling of the bodies of Muslim victims in the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy, at the Parliament House here Tuesday.

The certificates were presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.