Malaysians in shock over MH17 crash, second MAS tragedy this year

A staff member sits behind a closed Malaysia Airlines desk at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Malaysia Airlines MH17 was brought down over eastern Ukraine late yesterday, killing all 295 people aboard. – Reuters pic, July 18, 2014.

The daughter of a flight attendant on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has appealed to everyone to spare a thought for the families of those on board MH17 as Malaysians took to social media tonight to express their grief and disbelief over the crash.

Maira Elizabeth Nari, the daughter of the MH370's chief steward Andrew Nari, while tweeting on the latest incident involving a Malaysia Airlines flight, called on people not to spread rumours.

"MAS has not confirm it yet. However, let's just continue praying for MH17 & stop spreading rumours because it can hurt their family members," she said, through her Twitter handle @Gorgxous_  immediately after news broke about the plane that had crashed.

"I am hoping it is not true. My God, save Your children. #PrayForMH17," she said.

Maira's father was a chief steward with Malaysia Airlines for more than 20 years. He was among 12 crew members on board MH370 that mysteriously vanished on March 8.

The plane, crew and 227 passengers have yet to be found.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak tweeted the following message after being informed of the crash: "I am shocked by reports that an MH plane crashed. We are launching an immediate investigation."

Other Malaysians also took to the social networking site to express their shock and grief at the news, which comes just slightly more than four months after MH370 disappeared.

Here are some of the tweets:

Photos of passport belonging to Malaysian, Dutch and German nationals are seen together as salvaged by rescue operations following the shooting down on MAS flight MH17 over Ukraine yesterday. - LifeNes screengrab, July 17, 2014.@HalimatulAzian: Just read about #MH17 . Innalillah. Another heartbreaking news for Malaysia.

@kimberlycun: Words fail me. My heart goes out to the friends and families #MH17

@aaron_aqip: Belum lagi pulih dari trauma #MH370 dan ekarang #MH17 . Now all eyes on Malaysia. Ya Allah, besar sungguh ujian Mu ini. (We have not recovered from the MH370 trauma and now MH17. Now all eyes on Malaysia. Allah, so great is your test).

@chrissykoh: Let's all gather hands n pray for everyone on #mh17 :(

LO @dlutfiyanti: What a heartbreaking news again for all of us. Condolences and prayers goes to everyone on board and their family members. #MH17

@delolaalini: let's pray for the best.mashAllah such a great test for Malaysia airlines and Malaysian especially #mh17 #mh370

@cutejams2004: 2nd catastrophic tragedy 4 Malaysia. When we f yet 2 recover 4m d loss of #MH370, now #MH17, let's pray 4 all those onboard wherever they r

@hazirajamaludin: Its hurt.. sad...very sad #MH17 RT @DrHalina I saw our flag.. That is our flag.. Our plane. 

Social activists and celebrities also tweeted their disbelief over the latest incident, calling for prayers for those on board the flight.

Ivy Josiah, executive director of Woman's Aid Organisation executive director, tweets, "My thoughts n prayers for the families and friends of all on #MH17 and #MH370. Wishing MALAYSIA AIRLINES the best, to do it all over again."

Marina Mahathir ‏(social activist): "My heart is heavy. Pray for the passengers n crew, their families n MAS. And pray that we all get through this terrible time."

Ambiga Sreenevasan ‏(former Bersih 2.0 president): "Devastating news about MH17. Just can't believe this is happening."

Lisa Surihani (actress): "Please let's all respect the families and friends of the passengers of MH17. Pray and keep praying for them."

Jo Kukathas (actress, director, writer): "So sorrowful. That's our Malaysian plane out there. My heart goes out to the families and friends. We are a nation grieving."

Marion Caunter (TV host and personality): "Why Malaysia? Oh god, this is just too sad.... Too sad.. My heart breaks for the passengers and their families. My heart breaks for Malaysia... :("

Datuk Lee Chong Wei ‏(national shuttler): "Just heard a terrible news. I don't think we are ready to accept this so soon after the #MH370 tragedy... Let's #PrayForMH17 everyone."

- TMI