Orkim Harmony: Family relieved with release of hijacked tanker and crew

Mohd Izzat Jamaluddin, 28, said his family had been counting the moments and days for them to see Mohd Adib again, and were delighted today to learn from media reports that the crew were safe and the oil tanker was now on its way to Kuantan Port, Pahang.

"Our family just can't wait to welcome him home. It had been a difficult time for us since the news of the missing tanker spread.

"However, we never gave up hope and kept praying for his (Mohd Adib) safety, and our prayers have been answered today. Alhamdulillah," he told Bernama, here.

MT Orkim Harmony went missing since June 11, reportedly hijacked by robbers, while on its way from Melaka to Kuantan Port and found to be in Cambodian waters yesterday, with its name changed to "Kim Harmon" and parts of the tanker repainted.

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The tanker, which was transporting 6,000 tonnes of petrol, had 22 crew members on board, including 16 Malaysians.

Mohd Izzat who learned about the release of the crew through the radio today, expressed his thanks to the Malaysian security forces for their determined efforts to detect the missing tanker.

He said his parents were already in Kuala Lumpur since a few days ago to follow closely the search-and-rescue efforts for the missing MT Orkim Harmony.

The parents, Jamaluddin Hussain and Che Marina Desa, who are currently staying with their daughter in the federal capital, however, declined to be interviewed.

Mohd Izzat said his parents were now waiting instruction from the tanker's owner, Magna Meridian Sdn Bhd, whether they would be brought to Kuantan Port to welcome their son.

Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar through his Twitter page, said MT Orkim Harmony was expected to arrive at Kuantan Port about 2am tomorrow.