Sombre moment: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein at the full dress rehearsal for the ceremony to receive the victims of MH17 tragedy at Complex Bunga Raya in KLIA. — AZHAR MAHFOF / The Star:-
KUALA LUMPUR: Telecommunications companies have pledged to stand in solidarity with Malaysians mourning the passengers and crew of Flight MH17.
DiGi Telecommunications chief operating officer Albern Murty said the live telecast of the ceremony to receive the victims’ remains would be shown on a digital screen at the telco’s headquarters in Shah Alam.
The staff, he said, will be asked to take a break from work and assemble at the courtyard to observe the nationwide minute silence.
Murty added that a memorial stand with condolence notes penned by the staff on paper planes had been set up in the lobby.
He said DiGi would also scale back its promotional activities for the day.
U Mobile chief technology officer T.J. Too said all personal and official social media postings would be “toned down” as a sign of respect.
“Our social media channels will carry condolence messages for the families and friends of the victims,” he said.
Furthermore, the Interactive Voice Response recording at its call centres will include a dedication to all those who were aboard MH17.
Celcom Axiata chief corporate officer Zuraida Jamaluddin said all staff would don black songkok and a ribbon today in addition to the company’s formal-dress code, which is a blue tie or scarf.
“All employees will also observe the one minute of silence,” she said.
She added that all flags on the premises would be at half-mast.
“We will stand united as Malaysians to offer our sincere condolences and prayers in this trying time,” she added.
Maxis corporate affairs head Mariam Bevi Batcha said the telco would not be holding events or launches today and would observe the minute’s silence.
“We will also stop piped-in music in all our Maxis stores, while the digital screens there will only display ‘Remembering MH17’ instead of our advertisements,” she said.
