Man surprised to find out 2 friends injured in attack

KOTA BARU: Last Friday looked like another normal day for Johari Yeap Abdullah. After performing his Friday prayers here, he continued with his work.

However, it all changed when he received a WhatsApp message and a video posting on the mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, at 3pm.

Two of his best friends, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib, 42, and Mohd Nazri Hisham Omar, 46, were among those injured.

“I was speechless. I could not believe it at first,” he said yesterday.

Johari, 44, who is state Malaysia Chinese Muslim Association chairman, said he had known Tarmizi and Nazri since 2007 when he and his family stayed in New Zealand.

He said their wives had studied there together.

“We were close and always visited each other’s home. We would go to the same mosque (the Al Noor Mosque) for Friday prayers and terawih.

“The Malaysian community there was small, so we were always together for gatherings or meetings.”

He described Tarmizi and Nazri as kind and helpful.

“Our friends here are praying for their speedy recovery.

“I was told that both are being treated at a hospital there and their condition is reportedly stable. However, I’m sad to know that Tarmizi’s son, Mohd Haziq Mohd Tarmizi, 17, is missing. I hope he will be found soon.”