Mum inconsolable as hundreds pay last respects


IPOH: It was a heart-wrenching sight to see the mother of air stewardess Chong Yee Pheng as she arrived at their home in First Garden here with the hearse carrying the remains of her youngest daughter.

The 72-year-old woman was inconsolable and had to be supported by relatives as she made her way ahead of the casket carrying her daughter’s remains into their house yesterday afternoon.

Chong’s casket was carried by pallbearers from the Royal Malaysian Army into the single-storey terrace house, draped in a white cloth and decorated with flowers for the homecoming of the 40-year-old victim of the ill-fated Flight MH17.

Showing concern: Sultan Nazrin Shah offering his condolences to Chong’s father Yuk Sang at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh. —Bernama

Outside the house, a stage and tables had been set up for the wake ahead of the funeral on Sunday.

Hundreds of people, friends and strangers, had gathered at the family home to pay their last respects.

Lining up in a single line, they filed past her coffin in silence as Amazing Grace played in the background.

Among them was retired clerk R. Saraswathy, 62.

“I live in the neighbourhood and felt I had to come to pay my last respects and share the family’s grief.

“I pray that the family will find solace in God in this very difficult time,” said a tearful Saraswathy.


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