SUBANG JAYA: During the 10th annual remembrance event commemorating the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Anthony Loke has reiterated the government’s commitment to recommence search operations.
The Transport Minister stated that he would be seeking the Cabinet’s approval to engage in a new contract with Ocean Infinity Ltd, a US-based marine robotics company, as the previous contract had concluded in 2018.
“The Transport Ministry is prepared to invite Ocean Infinity to Malaysia to discuss the ‘no find, no fee’ proposal,” Loke affirmed.
“As the minister representing the Malaysian government, today is not just a show of solidarity but a pledge and assurance that the search will continue,” he added.
“There have been advancements in new research and technologies that could aid in the search,” he mentioned during the event that took place yesterday in Subang Jaya.
Children leaving heartfelt messages during the remembrance event for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, marking 10 years since its disappearance.
“We are hopeful that through the search, the plane can be located and the truth can be provided to the families of the passengers,” Loke expressed his hopes.
Regarding the timeline for the search, Loke noted that it will hinge on Ocean Infinity’s response.
“Once the proposal is finalized, it will be presented to the Cabinet for approval,” Loke stated, demonstrating confidence in a swift completion of the process.
Loke emphasized the government’s unwavering dedication to continuing the search.
He mentioned that Ocean Infinity had faced delays in delivering its ship for a prior proposal, but the current proposal has now been finalized.
“Discussions with the Australian government have not commenced yet, but they will start once Ocean Infinity finalizes its proposal,” Loke disclosed.
“Although expenses were considered, we are not worried about the costs associated with the search,” Loke assured.
“If Ocean Infinity locates the missing plane, we are prepared to cover the expenses.”
On March 8, 2014, Flight MH370 vanished from radar less than an hour after departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport en route to Beijing.
The plane carried 239 individuals, including 227 passengers and 12 crew members.
In a separate announcement, Loke stated that Malaysia now requires all aircraft to transmit their positions every 15 minutes using satellite-based technology.
To adhere to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 6 Part 1 regulations, he mentioned that starting from January 1 next year, all aircraft weighing over 27,000kg must transmit autonomous free information at one-minute intervals, as mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
This initiative aligns with the global aviation distress and safety system standards set by ICAO.
Meanwhile, former CAAM chairman Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman urged the public to refrain from making baseless speculative remarks regarding the disappearance of MH370.
“Such speculations can impact the emotions of the families. Speculative rumors tend to escalate as the anniversary approaches,” he cautioned.
Reflecting on the past decade, Azharuddin mentioned that the tragic incident remains a vivid and unforgettable memory for him.
He stepped down from his position following the release of the MH370 Safety Investigation Report.
