THE body of 17-year-old Mohd Haziq Mohd Tarmizi, who was killed in the Christchurch mosque shooting, was identified through a DNA test.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the government has no details on what happened prior to the verified DNA test, when Haziq was claimed to be missing.

“There are no details and we were only informed of it. Before this, we could only assume Haziq was dead, when he was said to be missing.

“He was there all along. It was only after a DNA test that the body was confirmed to be Haziq’s.

“We were not told of the details that happened prior to that. We will meet with the embassy and share any updates we receive later,” he told reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport today.

Haziq’s death was confirmed last night. Penang welfare exco Phee Boon Poh said the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington has been informed about his death.

Phee said he was unable to share details, such as when and where Haziq’s body was found.

“The New Zealand government is very strict about its Privacy Act. There were so many deaths, and careful identification (of bodies) by the families is needed.

“DNA confirmation is needed before any announcement (can be made). I was with the mother last night,” he said via WhatsApp last night.

The terror attacks took place at the Al-Noor and Lindwood mosques which killed 50 people and injured many others.

Haziq’s father, 42-year-old Mohd Tarmizi Shuib, is one of three Malaysians who suffered injuries during the attack. The other two are Rahimi Ahmad and Mohd Nazril Hisham Omar.

Haziq was with his father and younger brother when a gunman stormed the Al-Noor mosque and fired at those praying inside.

His brother, Mohd Haris, 12, is undergoing treatment at one of the children’s hospitals in Christchurch due to trauma. – AFP, March 21, 2019.