Major Yazmi left university to become fighter jet pilot - friend

This was disclosed by his colleague, Major Hassan Basri Tajul Arifin, 38, who said Yazmi left his studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia to pursue his dreams.

"We were in the same squad in 2001 but split up in 2003 as he opted to become a fighter pilot while I became a commercial pilot...I expected it because it had always been his ambition," he told reporters after Yazmi's funeral at the Titiwangsa Muslim Cemetery here on Friday.

Hassan Basri said they never lost contact after that and kept in touch right until just before the crash.

He added that Yazmi was a responsible man and was always concerned about his friends' problems.

"He was a cheerful person and often gave useful advice on how to solve problems, this will be something I will always miss," he said.

Meanwhile, Yazmi's eldest brother Yusfi Mohamed Yusof, 52, said there was no more joy in celebrating this year's Hari Raya Aidilfitri at the end of this month as the family had lost their youngest brother.

Yusfi , an engineer with a private company said the last time he met his brother was in early Ramadan this year.

"I was surprised when he brought durians and springrolls to break the fast because I was not really into both. However, after some persuasion, I ate a bit," he said.

Yusfi said he did not notice any changes in the behavior of his youngest brother and that was the last time they met as Yazmi had to fly from Kuantan to Labuan.

On Thursday, Yazmi and Major Mohd Hasri Zahari, 31, were killed after the Hawk 108 aircraft crashed in a forested mangrove swamp in Chukai.

Their bodies were found at 2.30pm, about 53km from the Kuantan Air Base with the parachutes still on them.

The bodies were found 20 metres apart before they were taken out of the area via helicopter.