March 4, 2024
KUALA LUMPUR – On the 10th annual remembrance event to mark the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Anthony Loke has reaffirmed the government’s intention to restart search operations.
The Transport Minister said he would seek the Cabinet’s approval for the government to sign a new contract with the US-based marine robotics company Ocean Infinity Ltd. The previous contract ended in 2018.
“The Transport Ministry is ready to invite Ocean Infinity to Malaysia to discuss the ‘no find, no fee’ proposal.
“As the minister representing the Malaysian government, today is not just to express our solidarity but our commitment and promise that the search will go on.
“There is some progress in some of the new research and technologies that have been presented.
Children leaving heartfelt messages during the remembrance event for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, marking 10 years since its disappearance.
“We hope that the search can locate the plane and give the truth to the next of kin,” he said at the event here yesterday.
Regarding the time frame for the search, Loke said it would depend on Ocean Infinity’s response.
“Once the proposal is finalised, it will be presented to the Cabinet for approval,” he said, expressing confidence that the process would be completed soon.
Loke also said the government is committed to having the search continue.
He said Ocean Infinity had encountered delays in delivering its ship for a previous proposal, but it has now finalised the present proposal.
“Discussions with the Australian government have yet to take place but they will begin once Ocean Infinity finalises its proposal.
“While costs were discussed, we are not concerned about the expenses associated with the search,” said Loke.
“If Ocean Infinity can find the missing plane, we are prepared to bear the cost.”
On March 8, 2014, Flight MH370 was en route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Beijing when it disappeared from radar less than an hour after takeoff.
There were 239 people on board, comprising 227 passengers and 12 crew members.
On another matter, Loke said Malaysia has mandated that all aircraft transmit their positions every 15 minutes via satellite-based technology.
To comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 6 Part 1 requirements, he said the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) would mandate that all aircraft weighing over 27,000kg transmit autonomous free information at one-minute intervals, starting from Jan 1 next year.
The move aligns with global aeronautical distress and safety system standards established by ICAO.
Separately, former CAAM chairman Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman urged the public to refrain from making unfounded speculative statements regarding the disappearance of MH370.
“This can affect the emotions of the families. Speculation tends to rise as the remembrance event draws near,” he said.
Reflecting on the past 10 years, Azharuddin said the tragic incident remains a vivid and unforgettable experience for him.
He stepped down from his position following the release of the MH370 Safety Investigation Report.