LATEST NEWS:

Sarban Singh, P. Aruna and Elween Loke

The Star

Publication Date : 27-01-2013

The family of the second Malaysian killed in the Algerian hostage crisis is hoping that the Government will demand compensation from Algiers on their behalf.

Koh Eng Hong, 70, the father-in-law of Tan Ping Wee, said the family was entitled to compensation as his son-in-law had apparently died after the rescue mission went wrong.

“We hope Wisma Putra will help us get some compensation from the Algerian government as we have lost a dear family member,” he said when met at his daughter Siow Mun's house in Taman Bukit Samudera near here.

Siow Mun, when contacted, said she was notified of her husband's death by Wisma Putra on Friday night.

“We had been praying for his safety since he was reported missing.

“We are still in shock,” she said, adding that she wished not to be disturbed for the time being.

Wisma Putra said the deceased was identified by the forensic team through his dental records.

He also had a tattoo on his body which was later verified by his family.

It said the government expressed its condolences and sympathy to Tan's family.

Koh said Tan had only started work in Algeria a few months ago.

He said Tan was a well-travelled man who had worked in many countries previously but this was his first stint in Algeria.

Koh said the family would only decide when to hold the funeral once Wisma Putra confirms when Tan's body would be brought back.

The other Malaysian killed in the crisis was 55-year-old quality control inspector Chong Chung Ngen.

In IPOH, Chong's daughter, who is studying in Singapore, has come back to organise her father's funeral.

A relative, who declined to be named, said she arrived at her home in Ipoh Garden yesterday.