Malaysia said today that the remains of 16 victims aboard downed Flight MH17 will repatriated on August 22, declaring it a day of national mourning.

Coffins bearing the remains will arrive on a special flight and be received by the country's king, prime minister and other dignitaries to a minute of silence at Kuala Lumpur's main international airport, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a statement.

The remains will then be brought to the next-of-kins' hometowns throughout the country where they will be laid to rest, he said.

The 16 victims comprise 15 Malaysians and a Dutch citizen who was born in Malaysia. The Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine on July 17 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, killing all 298 on board.