GEORGE TOWN - Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, who was killed in a helicopter crash at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Lumut Base, managed to contact his mother this morning but there was nothing unusual.
The victim's sister-in-law, who wished to be known as Lina, 40, said it was a routine for Firdaus to call his mother every morning to inquire about her well-being.
She said the family was still shocked by the incident and only learned about it through social media.
"We were all shocked when informed by my sister about the incident.
"After receiving the sad news, our parents and several family members went to the RMN Base in Lumut for the body identification process," she said when met by reporters at their family residence on Persiaran Pantai Jerejak here on Tuesday.
Lina said all the deceased's family members, including those overseas, had been informed about the incident that befell their eldest brother out of seven siblings.
She said so far, there was no further information on when her brother-in-law's remains would be brought back to Penang.
"The other siblings including those overseas are on their way back here and we are just waiting for any updates from our parents who are in Lumut.
"We hope our family is given space, as we are all still shocked and have no further information," she added.
At 9am today, two helicopters belonging to the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) crashed after colliding at the RMN Base during a training session for the RMN Anniversary involving the HOM aircraft (M503-3) and the Fennec aircraft.
Those who perished from the HOM-AW139 were identified as Squadron 503 commanding officer Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, Lieutenant Commander Wan Rezaudeen Kamal Wan Zainal Abidin, Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Amirulfaris Mohamad Marzukhi, Warrant Officer II TLR (AQM) Muhammad Faisol Tamadun, Warrant Officer II TNL Noorfarahimi binti Mohd Saedy (passenger), Petty Officer TNL Noor Rahiza Anuar (passenger) and Able Seaman I JJM Joanna Felicia Rohna (passenger).
From the Fennec aircraft Squadron 502 commanding officer Commander Muhamad Amir Mohamad, Lieutenant Sivasutan Thanjappan and Warrant Officer II TMK Mohd Shahrizan Mohd Termizi.