MH17: Tambi Jiee's next-of-kin receive financial aid from government

The next-of-kin of the Tambi Jiee family who perished in the Malaysia Airlines MH17 tragedy in 2014, were the first to receive the one-time USD5000 (RM20,000) financial aid from the government.

The contribution was presented by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim to Tambi's eldest brother Drahman Jiee and sister-in-law Madzalina Ghazalee in a simple ceremony here.

At the ceremony witnessed by family members, Drahman and Madzalina received a total of USD 30,000 for Tambi Jiee, 49, who died alongside his wife, Ghazalee Ariza, 46, and their four children Muhammad Afif, 19, Muhammad Afzal, 17, Marsha Azmeena, 15, and Muhammad Afruz, 13.

"This is a sincere contribution from the government. Initially the proposed amount was between RM2,000 to RM5,000, but the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) raised the amount to USD5,000," she said.

She said the beneficiaries of 37 other Malaysian passengers and crew would receive the payment in stages, soon.

Meanwhile Drahman said he had sent all documents for further compensation to a lawyer appointed by MAS last January, and the matter was being assessed by MAS.

"We have received the Advance Compensation Payment (ACP) in July last year and are now waiting for the final compensation to be assessed," he said.