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MH17 Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar last night left for Kiev, Ukraine for further investigations on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 crash.

Ahmad Zahid said he and Khalid would be heading a 68-member team of police officers and personnel from various units to join the international security team in conducting investigations on the MH17 crash in Donetsk, Ukraine.

“Currently, the MH17 international investigation team comprise personnel from three countries namely Netherlands, Malaysia and Australia. I am scheduled to meet Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko to present an official letter from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

“The letter is to convey Malaysia’s gratefulness for the cooperation rendered by the Ukrainian government to members of MH17 special investigation team in the country recently,” he told a media conference in Sepang last night.

The Malaysian MH17 special investigation team comprised police forensic officers, Special Malaysia Search and Rescue Team (Smart) and medical officers, he said.

Asked how long the police team would be in Ukraine, Ahmad Zahid said there was no fixed period as the investigation process could be difficult considering the restive situation of the MH17 crash location.

He said police would be using standard operation procedure and ensure the situation was safe before heading to the crash site.

Meanwhile, Khalid said the police were there to gather evidence on the MH17 crash.   

“A total of 68 police personnel and the international security team will collect evidence including MH17 victims’ personal effects at the location.

“The team was sent to control the location of MH17 crash and collect evidence such as aircraft debris and human remains,” he said.

According to him, all members of the team were directed to put on safety gear such as bullet-proof vests, helmets and security masks at the location.

Khalid said based on latest media report, Ukrainian forces were fighting with separatists to control the location of MH17 crash site.

He said the home minister would be holding special meetings with the government of Ukraine to discuss the safety of police personnel before moving into the location.

- Bernama

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