Rusiah Suar, 56, from Sungkai, Perak has been confirmed as the first Malaysian haj pilgrim killed in the Makkah crane collapse tragedy.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom said the confirmation was made by Tabung Haji.

"Tabung Haji identified her body from 108 pictures displayed by the Saudi authorities," he told a press conference in Kelana Jaya today.

Rusiah was among eight Malaysian pilgrims reported missing following the incident.

The seven other Malaysian Haj pilgrims reported still missing are Abdul Habib Lahman, 68, (from Sik, Kedah); Shahidan Saad, 52, (Kodiang, Kedah); Zainun Taha, 69, (Ampang, Selangor); Rohana Ismail, 54, (Kuala Krai, Kelantan); Munah Jusoh, 73, (Cherang Ruku, Kelantan); Siti Nurolshlizan Zolkifli, 37, (Tanah Merah, Kelantan) and Abdul Muluk Ishak, 71, (Pantai Remis, Perak).

The tragedy that occurred at the Grand Mosque yesterday claimed the lives of over 100 pilgrims and injured hundreds of others, including 10 Malaysians.

Jamil Khir said today was the first time Tabung Haji was allowed to make identification.

"Tabung Haji's medical team was allowed to enter the morgue for the identification process at 10.30am (3.30pm Malaysia time).

"The identification was based on a health record book, haj pass and identification bracelet and a DNA test will be done if necessary," he said.

He said the body was identified through facial recognition but the location where the victim died was not known.

Jamil Khir said the remains would be buried in the Holy Land after funeral prayers at the Grand Mosque.

He said Tabung Haji had contacted the victim's family about the sad news.

"We are very sad and sympathise with the family, and advise them to be patient and strong in facing this difficult time," he said.

Jamil Khir also expressed condolences on behalf of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and the government to Rusiah's family members.

He said he would leave for Mecca tomorrow to visit the pilgrims.

On the injured pilgrims, he said, all of them were expected to be able to perform Haj.

Three of them have been discharged while five are still being treated at a Saudi Arabian hospital and two at the Tabung Haji Medical Centre in Makkah.

All of them are reported to be in stable condition.

- Bernama