Malaysia’s Star Radio Group stations observed the National Day of Mourning on Friday to honour citizens who died in MH17 flight disaster last month.

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was a scheduled international passenger flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur that was shot down over Ukraine on July 17, killing all 283 passengers and 15 crew on board.

As bodies of 20 out of 43 victims were finally brought home, the country observed a minute of silence to honour those who lost their lives.

Suria FM, Red FM, 988 FM and Capital FM 88.9 breakfast shows took calls and messages from fellow Malaysians who wished to honour those who perished in the tragedy.

The stations then aired national broadcaster Radoio Televisyen Malaysia’s (RTM) coverage from the venue of the ceremony to honour those returning home from 10.30am to 12pm.

Therapists were invited on air to talk about handling sudden loss of life, grief and overcoming tragedy, so listeners could empathise with loved ones of MH17 victims.

All four group stations also asked listeners to send in poetry and written messages which were read on air though the day.

Kudsia Kahar, COO of Star Radio Group said: “We mourn the loss of our fellow countrymen this day when they are competing their journey home.”