Kuala Lampur:
Below is the statement issued by Astro Awani on Monday:
We wish to confirm that two Astro AWANI news crew members were onboard the Mavi Marmara, which is part of an international humanitarian relief convoy delivering aid to the people of Gaza. We have been informed that the vessel has been attacked by Israeli forces at around 10.30am Malaysian time this morning. The two are reporter-anchor Ashwad Ismail, 26, and cameraman Samsulkamal Abdul Latip, 43. The Astro AWANI news crew left Kuala Lumpur for Istanbul at 2am on 23 May en route to Antalya Port, Turkey to join the flotilla led by the Mavi Marmara which departed for Gaza on 30 May.
Astro AWANI has been unable to contact them since the attack took place earlier today. We are awaiting news from the mission organisers and authorities.