PENANG, 18 July 2014 - News of the Boeing 777 that was reported shot at and crashed in eastern Ukraine near the Russian border has not only shocked Malaysians and the world, but also the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) community.

The plane departed from Amsterdam at 12.15 p.m. local time yesterday and was expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) with 283 passengers and 15 crew members at 6.10 a.m. today.

Among the passengers on board the ill-fated MH17 was a USM lecturer candidate, Mohd Ali Md Salim, currently pursuing a doctorate in the field of "Development Neuropsychopathology" at Erasmus University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, who was returning home to Kampung Jayor, Pagoh, Muar, Johor.

Mohd. Ali who would celebrate his 30th birthday on 10 September, is the fourth child of eight siblings. He was studying under the Ministry of Education’s Academic Staff Training Scheme (RLKA) under USM. His father is a Farmers Organisation Authority retiree.

According to his sister, Nurzazila Md. Salim, his brother contacted her on the day before flying back to ask if they want any mementos that he can bring home to them.

"Usually I was the only one who made the request, but I did not ask for anything this time but expect him to return safely," said Nurzazila in Putrajaya with her parents and family.

Nurzazila added that Mohd. Ali, who is expected to graduate in 2015, is very close to her and his mother and would often confide problems.

"He was an ardent fan of singer Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza," said Nurzazila about her brother's interest.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman expressed extreme sadness over this tragedy and asked the USM community to also pray for the welfare of all.

"We are saddened by this MH17 aircraft tragedy and let us together pray that all parties be given the strength to face the trials of Allah s.w.t. especially among the families involved," said Omar.

He also conveyed his condolences to the families of Mohd. Ali and all those involved.

"To the family of Mohd Ali, I would like to express our (USM community) heartfelt condolences and I personally also feel the loss of an excellent student and a USM lecturer candidate," said Omar.

He added that USM is ready to help in whatever it can to ease the family through these hard times and will contact Mohd Ali’s family from time to time.

"We all face the great trials of Allah s.w.t. during this Ramadan and let us come together to pray and remain strong and steadfast in facing all these trials and at the same time continue to pray for our brothers, the Palestinians, who are facing Israeli attacks," he added.

- Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Mohamad Abdullah/Photo: Instagram/tweeter Mohd Ali Md. Salim