Mohd Haziq Mohd Tarmizi won’t be coming home but will instead be buried in New Zealand.
“The funeral for the late Mohammad Haziq will be held at the Memorial Park Cemetery Bromley after zohor,” Penang executive state councillor Phee Boon Poh told the media in a text message today.
The Penang government had deployed Phee and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz to bring Rahimi’s mother and brother to Christchurch and to render any help necessary.
Earlier, the teenager who went missing after the mass shooting at two Christchurch mosques last Friday was confirmed dead.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wisma Putra, said in a statement today that 17-year-old Haziq was one of the 50 people who lost their lives when two shooters went on a rampage at the Al-Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre.
“The High Commission of Malaysia (in Wellington) will render its assistance to the family in the burial process,” said Wisma Putra.
Haziq’s father, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib, was injured in the attack. The other injured Malaysians are Muhammad Nazril Hisham Omar and Rahimi Ahmad.
It was reported that the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington had exhausted all efforts to locate Haziq.
Haziq was at the Al-Noor Mosque with his parents and brother Mohd Haris, 12, when the attack took place.
Haris, who escaped uninjured, is said to be undergoing treatment for trauma at one of the children’s hospitals in Christchurch.
Phee said he met with Haziq’s mother, Marina Hamzah, 46, on Tuesday night.
Azrul said Marina was asked by the New Zealand police to provide details on Haziq, including marks on his body.
Phee and Azrul returned to Penang on Wednesday (March 20) night.
Phee said he is unable to share details, such as when and where Haziq’s body was found.
“The New Zealand government is very strict about its privacy act. There were so many deaths, and careful identification (of bodies) by the families is needed.
“DNA confirmation is needed before any announcement (can be made),” he said via WhatsApp.
Wisma Putra earlier called on the public not to speculate on the teen.
Yesterday, it said New Zealand has a clear process on the release of victims’ names.
”Once the families are notified, police will convey the information to the New Zealand Foreign Ministry, which will then convey the information to the relevant high commissions or embassies.
“The information will be released publicly by New Zealand police through their media system.”
Wisma Putra also said that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa will be going to Christchurch to represent the government in giving support to the affected Malaysians.
The attack on the two mosques in Christchurch claimed 51 lives and left dozens more injured.
An Australian man described as a white supremacist and identified as Brenton Tarrant, 28, has been arrested and charged with murder.
The attacks had been broadcast “live” on social media from a video camera worn by the shooter.
Related reports:
Mar 15, NZ Mosque Shootings: 49 Dead, 50 Injured
Mar 15, MCMC: Don’t Share NZ Killer’s Shooting Video