KUALA LUMPUR: This morning, 36-year-old Penangite Rahimi Ahmad went to Masjid Al Noor on Deans Avenue in Christchurch, New Zealand, for Friday prayers, as he has usually been doing for the past five years since he’s been living there with his family.
Little did he know that it was going to be “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”, as its Prime Minister Jacina Arden described.
Bernama reported that at least two gunmen opened fire at two separate mosques in Christchurch. Witnesses described that there is much blood and multiple deaths.
At least five Malaysian victims are reportedly involved in the terror attack with some injured.
Rahimi, too, was injured, but it could be worse if it wasn’t for his quick thinking. He played possum.
“Rahimi is injured, but he acted as if he was dead,” said his friend, who wishes to remain anonymous.
The friend also identified another injured victim, who was shot at the back, as Mohd Tarmizi Shuib, 46, a flight simulator operator and his former classmate from the Malay College Kuala Kangsar.
Earlier today, the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington confirmed that Tarmizi is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
The friend also said Tarmizi was with his wife and two children, Hariz and Haziq, at the mosque to perform the Friday prayers.
He said currently his friends there are in a mission to look for Tarmizi’s son, Haziq who is still missing.
“When the incident happened, Mizi (Tarmizi) and his children, along with Rahimi and another friend of mine Nazril, were in the mosque.
“Mizi ran off with Hariz, but he was shot at the back. Hariz is safe now. Haziq was left behind with Nazril and Rahimi. We are still unsure of Haziq’s status,” he said.
Meanwhile, AFP reported that the attacks left at least 40 dead. It was not immediately clear how many attackers were involved but one gunman has been identified a right-wing ‘terrorist’ with Australian citizenship.
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