SINGAPORE — After five days of uncertainty, the families of the two Singaporeans listed as missing since the earthquake last Friday were informed yesterday that their loved ones’ remains have been identified.

The confirmation of their deaths brings the official death toll to 18, among them nine Singaporeans and one Singapore permanent resident.

Opening hours of the tribute centre at Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS), which has been drawing hundreds of well-wishers daily since Sunday, were extended till 9pm yesterday and today, so that more could go and convey their condolences.

The Malaysian authorities, who ended their search and rescue operations yesterday, confirmed the identities of TKPS student Navdeep Singh Jaryal Raj Kumar, 13, and teacher Mohammad Ghazi Mohamed, 35, through finger printing and their personal belongings. The fingerprint records were provided by the Singapore Police Force.

Their remains will return to Singapore after further forensic tests are completed, which are “expected to take some time”, said the Ministry of Education. “The remains of Ghazi and Navdeep are still undergoing DNA testing, and will be returned to their families once the DNA results are confirmed,” a ministry spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he was relieved yet saddened by the news. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time,” he said in a Facebook post. “Thank you to all involved in the recovery efforts for helping to bring a measure of closure to the victims’ families and loved ones. Thank you also to the Malaysian government, the Sabah officials, the mountain guides and many other Sabahans for your extraordinary and deeply appreciated efforts to help the victims of this natural disaster.”

When news of Navdeep’s and Ghazi’s deaths broke yesterday, sobs tore through TKPS, and staff members held on to each other for comfort.

One message on the condolence board read: “Dear Navdeep, whatever your fate was I hope you are in a better place. I remember you, and I wish I could have been a better friend.”

Former TKPS student Thet Naing Tun, 17, was part of the hockey team Ghazi oversaw, and the team still meets every year. “We’ve accepted that he’s gone but we won’t remove him from our Whatsapp group. He’ll still be there,” he said.

MOE football team manager Abdul Nasir, 49, recalled Ghazi as a dedicated member. He added: “I was here yesterday but I didn’t send my condolences because there was still hope. But after today, there’s closure for all of us.”

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said in a Facebook post: “We know now that Navdeep and Ghazi are at peace. I talked with their families yesterday, and it was so clear that Ghazi and Navdeep have inspired so much love and brought so much joy to those around them. We all grieve with their families.”

The last five days had seen the public mourn the loss of young lives — seven of the dead were Primary 6 students — and the heroism of the teachers and adventure guide who tried to protect them. State flags flew at half-mast at all Government buildings and a minute of silence was observed at all SEA Games venues. TKPS drew Singaporeans of all stripes, from Cabinet ministers to SEA Games athletes.

The family of Sonia Jhala, 12, bade her farewell yesterday with a church service, followed by her cremation in the late afternoon.

Twelve-year-olds Rachel Ho Yann Shiuan, Peony Wee Ying Ping and Emilie Giovanna Ramu will be cremated today, while teacher Terrence Sebastian Loo Jian Liang, 29, will be cremated tomorrow. The other victims are Karyl Mitzi Higuit Matahom, 12, Ameer Ryyan Mohd Adeed Sanjay, 12, and adventure guide Muhammad Daanish Amran, 23. Ameer and Muhammad Daanish were buried on Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said he phoned his Malaysian counterpart Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to express appreciation to the Malaysian authorities — in particular the Royal Malaysia Police — for their efforts in search and rescue and immigration.