Tambi Jiee, a Shell employee was working in Kazakhstan for the past three years, and was moving back to his hometown in Kuching after completing his posting there. His wife Ariza, an engineer by training, retired early to join her husband in Kazakhstan. Their eldest son, Mohd Afif who was a student of Taylors College Kuala Lumpur, was visiting his parents and siblings who were studying in Kazakhstan. The family traveled to Europe before boarding the ill-fated MH17 flight. All they wanted was to return home and celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their family in Kuching.