MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon said the decision was taken after discussions with party leaders at the central level.

“MCA will assist Lim to claim the remains including bearing the cost of burial for his four family members,” he told reporters after visiting Lim at the Penang Hospital Forensic Department here today.

Lim’s wife, Chen Yen, 35, his mother, Lau Sai Poh, 62, his son Lim Yin Chun, 9, and daughter Lim Jia Yiin, 8, died in the 6.45am fire.

Earlier, Chong who is the Deputy Education Minister said the process of claiming the remains of Lim’s wife would take longer as Chen Yen was a Chinese national.

“I am now in contact with the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia to obtain a letter of confirmation for Chen Yen to enable the hospital to release her body,” he said.

Meanwhile, state MCA chairman Tan Teik Cheng said Swee Bok was working the night shift and was not at home when the fire started.

“Swee Bok is an engineer in a factory in Bayan Lepas. He rushed home upon receiving the tragic news about his family,” he said, adding that Swee Bok was still too traumatised to be interviewed.

“I hope the media will give him some space,” he said.

The remains of Lim’s four family members have been claimed and the wake will be held for five days at Block 42A, Sri Saujana, Gat Lebuh Macallum.