A Belfast book of condolence has opened in a “clear and positive” show of solidarity with Nora Quoirin’s family.
Sinn Fein Lord Mayor John Finucane was the first to sign at the city hall, followed by a queue of other elected representatives and well-wishers.
Mr Finucane helped lead a long campaign for answers about the death of his murdered father, solicitor Pat Finucane, and said he hoped Nora’s family would receive the truth.
Nora’s mother Meabh is from Belfast.
He said: “This is a story that has resonated with and struck home in Belfast.
“It is heartbreaking. I don’t think this is something that would be easily dealt with in any circumstance but the fact that they are so far away from home in Malaysia.”
He added: “This is a family that was on holiday, this is a girl who was vulnerable and I think the family have been through hell in the past few days.
“Whilst she had not been found everybody hoped that she would be found safely and it really is a very tragic story.”
He praised the “clear and positive” show of solidarity from the Belfast public.
A special service was held on Tuesday at the South Belfast church which Nora was baptised in. Her grandparents are parishioners.
Nora book of condolence opens in Belfast