M'sia To Seek Details On Compensation For Pilgrims Killed In Makkah Crane Tragedy

From Mohd Shukri Ishak MAKKAH, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will seek details on the one million riyal compensation to be paid by the government of Saudi Arabia to each pilgrim killed in the crane-collapse tragedy here last Friday. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom said on behalf of the Malaysian government, he truly appreciated the concern showed by the Saudi government towards those who perished in the tragedy. "I will contact the Saudi Haj Minister for details and further information regarding the announcement (on the compensation)," he told Malaysian press after meeting with Malaysian pilgrims at their hostel in Raudhat Al Syorouk building here Wednesday. The tragedy had claimed more than 100 lives, including five Malaysians, and injuring hundreds of others. Two Malaysian pilgrims were still unaccounted for. The Malaysian pilgrim who perished in the tragedy are Rusiah Suar, 56, of Sungkai, Perak; Siti Nurolshlizan Zolkifli, 37, of Tanah Merah, Kelantan; Rohana Ismail, 54, of Kuala Krai, Kelantan; Munah Jusoh, 73, of Cherang Ruku, Kelantan; and Zainun Taha, 69, of Ampang, Selangor. According to Saudi Press Agency report, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman had ordered massive payouts for the families of those killed and injured in last week's crane crash tragedy. The King announced that there would be SR1 million (RM1.14 million) paid to each victim’s family, SR1 million to those whose injuries resulted in permanent disability, and SR500,000 for each of the injured. Jamil Khir and Tabung Haji (Malaysian Pilgrims Fund Board) chairman Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim arrived here last Monday to oversee the search efforts for the two missing pilgrims and to provide support to others. Also present was Malaysian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Zainol Rahim Zainuddin. -- BERNAMA