MH17 victim Tambi Jiee's eldest brother finalising compensation process

The eldest brother of Tambi Jiee, one of the victims of the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 which was shot down on July 17 last year, is in the process of getting a letter of authorisation to receive compensation.

Drahman Jiee said the letter of authorisation was needed to determine who was authorised to administer the remaining compensation to be received.

"MAS needs a letter of authorisation to administer and several documents about the deceased. The authorisation letter from the Miri District Office is expected this month.

"Only then I will contact the MAS lawyer," he told reporters after attending an Aidilfitri event of Women, Family and Community Development Ministry today.

Drahman said the initial compensation had been received from MAS.

Asked how the compensation money would be spent, he said the matter would be discussed with the other next-of-kin.

Pressed about the investigation of the tragedy which is still pending, Drahman said they would leave it to the authorities to handle the matter.

"For the next-of-kin, the investigation is a matter for the authorities. The most important thing is that their remains have been laid to rest."

The tragedy near the Ukraine-Russia border killed Tambi, 49, his wife Ariza Ghazalee, 46 and their four children, Muhammad Afif, 19, Muhammad Afzal, 17, Marsha Azmeena, 15 and Muhammad Afruz, 13.

On July 11, eight next-of-kin participated in a ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of the MH17 tragedy at Kompleks Bunga Raya, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.