Mohd Ghafar always attended mass prayers while on duty abroad

In-flight supervisor Mohd Ghafar Abu Bakar was among the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) crew who would always attend mass prayers while on duty abroad, according to his best friend Nadzri Hassan.

Nadzri, 57, who is also an in-flight supervisor, said when they were abroad, he would be the imam who lead the mass prayers, while Mohd Ghafar, who was a member of Bukit Indah Mosque in Ampang, Selangor, would be among the congregation.

"When on duty, we were always given separate rooms, but ended up sharing one room and used the unoccupied one as a prayer room," he said when met outside the Bunga Raya Complex at the KL International Airport here today.

Nadzri, who had known Mohd Ghafar, since he first joined MAS in 1981, described the latter as a jovial man and a devout Muslim who was always willing to share his knowledge with others.

A cabin crew, Fatima Bibi Mira Maiddin, 38, on the other hand, described Mohd Ghafar as a good leader, who was always nice to other staff, regardless of their positions.

"He would treat everyone equally. He also liked to crack a joke," said the woman who had known Mohd Ghafar for 10 years.

Mohd Ghafar was one of the three victims of the MH17 tragedy whose remains were flown home today and received a special welcoming ceremony in the vicinity of the Bunga Raya Complex.

Last Friday, the same ceremony was also held at the venue in honour of 20 Malaysian victims of the MH17 tragedy whose remains were flown home in 17 caskets and three urns.

Meanwhile, stewardess Ernee Hasnita Malik could not hold back tears as she watched the hearse bearing the remains of Mohd Ghafar passed by.

"He was always willing to teach us everything he knew and had always reminded us not to miss our daily prayers while on duty," she said.

Ernee Hasnita said the last time she flew with Mohd Ghafar was in the operation to bring home Malaysian students following the uprising in Egypt in August last year.

Another stewardess, Rosmizar Asmim, 45, described Mohd Ghafar as a big brother for all the cabin crew because he was always concerned about their wellbeing.

"He was the best. No one can ever replace him," she said as she fought back tears.

MAS flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17 as it was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 283 passengers and 15 crew on board.

The Boeing 777-200 aircraft is believed to have been shot down over the troubled country.