Bone fragments of a Mongolian model who was brutally murdered in Malaysia are being returned to her homeland so that her family can finally go ahead with a funeral, an official said Saturday.

Most of the shattered remains of Altantuya Shaariibuu, who was allegedly shot and blown up with hand grenades, are being held in Malaysia as evidence in her murder investigation, an official said.

But Mongolian honorary consul in Malaysia, Syed Abdul Rahman Alhabshi, said diplomatic officials would help transport her bone fragments to Thailand later on Saturday.

"From there, the officials will send them back by diplomatic service back to Mongolia," Syed Abdul Rahman told AFP.

Altantuya's family "will make an official burial. So far they have nothing from the deceased. This is the first time they (have) got bone fragments," he said, adding Malaysian authorities had also issued a death certificate.

"Of course (the family) are very pleased, now everything is confirmed."

Funeral next week

Syed Abdul Rahman said the funeral was expected to take place next week, with Mongolian government officials in attendance.

A well-connected political analyst in Malaysia, Abdul Razak Baginda, will go on trial in March next year for allegedly murdering the 28-year-old model.

He is accused of abetting two policemen to kill Altantuya, whose remains were found in an isolated area near Kuala Lumpur on November 6.

Police have said Altantuya was Abdul Razak's lover and that she was kidnapped from outside his home in October.

The analyst, who is closely linked to senior politicians including Deputy Premier Nazib Razak, faces the death penalty if found guilty.

Mongolia's government has said it will monitor the trial, and urged Malaysia to ensure it is transparent and free from political interference.