[UPDATED] Beyond heartless: Anna Jenkins’ family slams authorities’ handling of remains

GEORGE TOWN – The family of the late Annapuranee Jenkins has lambasted Malaysian authorities for being “heartless” after her son Greg was allegedly told to break her bones in smaller pieces to fit into a jar for “less packaging” before bringing back her remains to Adelaide, Australia.

Annapuranee’s daughter Jennifer took to the Facebook page dedicated to the case to reveal that the remains were returned by the Forensics Department to her brother Greg in 18 open plastic bags.

“They are only in a box that they (department) managed to find lying around the office after having to be prompted.

“To get Mum back home, the bags need to be triple-sealed – a job they refused to take part in, as it is not their responsibility.”

Jennifer alleged that the authorities suggested to Greg to “break the bones – knowing that was his mother – and put the bones into a large jar for less packaging”.

“This is beyond shameful, beyond disrespectful, beyond humane. ESPECIALLY after everything they have put our family through.

“Heartless doesn’t even describe the actions of Malaysian authorities anymore. Malaysia. Can you show ANY compassion?”

The Forensics Department could not be reached for comment.

Last Wednesday, Greg lodged a police report against retired investigating officer Zali Hanapi – who was responsible for investigating Annapuranee’s disappearance – for slander and failure to perform due diligence on the investigation.

He said even though it seems that his late mother and ill father no longer have a voice in Malaysia, it does not give police during the death inquest the right to “slander” and “discredit” their relationship and character.

He also said they found a diary that contained scribblings stating that Anna did not want to go back to Australia and that she was involved in drug trafficking there.

“We as a family are very close and very tight, and if they think they can throw out false accusations, you better believe that we will fight back twice as hard,” he said.

Parit Buntar-born Annapuranee was in Penang on a short holiday with her husband in December 2017 when she went missing.

She left a hotel here on December 13 for an appointment with her dentist before hopping into an Uber to visit her aged mother at an aged care home at Batu Lanchang.

She allegedly requested her Uber driver to stop her midway toward her destination, never to be found again.

Her remains were found at a construction site in Batu Gantong here in June 2020, about 3km from where she was last seen alighting from an Uber ride.

Coroner Norsalha Hamzah adjourned the inquest proceedings to June 7 to 10.

Meanwhile, Greg, who left for home today with his mother's remains, said the treatment his family received from the authorities is starkly different from the sympathy and support he received from ordinary Malaysians.

“They have been wonderful and are equally outraged at how the authorities have treated this case and my family.

“Just look at the comments on our social media pages from many Malaysians. There is a stark contrast between the treatment we received from the authorities and ordinary Malaysians,” Greg told The Vibes.

Greg was accompanied by two officials from the Australian High Commission who sent him off at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport today.

"I appreciate their presence today as they helped with the paperwork in getting mum's remains through customs and security,” Greg said, adding he will be back in a month for the continuation of the inquest. – The Vibes, April 11, 2022