Malaysia today confirmed that it has some new radar data on the missing MH370.
SEPANG: Malaysia today confirmed that it has some new radar data on the missing MH370, said all passengers, pilots and crew of the missing Boeing 777-200ER remain innocent until proven otherwise.
Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein today confirmed that Malaysia had received “some radar data”, but the authorities were not at the liberty to release information from other countries.
“I appeal to all our partners to continue volunteering any and all information that could help with the investigation and the search for MH370.
“Regarding reports that the plane was sighted in the Maldives, I can confirm that the Malaysian chief of the defence force has contacted his counterpart in the Maldives, who has confirmed that these reports are not true,” he said at a daily press conference here today.
MH370 has been missing since March 8 on a flight from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Beijing, China, carrying some 239 passengers and crew . The plane was last spotted by the civilian radar flying over the South China Sea, an hour after takeoff about 12.40am Saturday morning. The plane appeared in the military radar an hour later, in the western side of peninsula Malaysia heading towards the Andaman Sea.
Authorities have not ruled out possibility of a hijack as the plane had its internal transponders switched off after losing contact with the civilian aircraft radar.
On the police investigations into the passengers and crew of the jetliner, Hishammuddin, who is also Defence Minister, said the case has been classified under section 130C of the Penal Code.
“All passengers, crew and ground staff handling the aircraft are being investigated. We are sharing all information relevant to the case with all relevant international investigative agencies that require it. We have received passenger background checks from all countries apart from Ukraine and Russia, both of which had nationals on board.
“So far, no information of significance on any passengers has been found. Local and international expertise has been recruited to examine the pilot’s flight simulator (found at the pilot’s house). Some data had been deleted from the simulator and forensic work to retrieve this data is on-going.
“I would like to take this opportunity to state that the passengers, the pilots and the crew remain innocent until proven otherwise. For the sake of their families, I ask that we refrain from any unnecessary speculation that might make an already difficult time even harder,” he added.
High-level team to Beijing
On the search for the missing jet, he said the focus remain on narrowing the search corridor, by gathering satellite information, analysing radar data, increasing air and surface assets and increasing the number of technical experts.
“On the diplomatic front, all 26 countries involved in the search and rescue operation have verbally agreed to assist the operations, and Malaysia has written to all countries formally requesting co-operation.
“A number of assets which have already been committed are awaiting diplomatic clearance to begin operations. Once we receive formal clearance, we can then speed up the deployment of assets along the search corridors,” he said.
The minister also announced the formation of a high-level team that will travel to Beijing immediately.
“I would like to announce that in addition to the team that is already on the ground, Malaysia is currently assembling a high-level team that will immediately travel to Beijing. The team will give briefings and updates to the next of kin on the latest situation, and on search and rescue plans,” he said.
The team will include representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Department of Civil Aviation, and Malaysia Airlines.
It will be led by Lieutenant General Ackbal Haji Abdul Samad (Air Operation Commander, Royal Malaysia Air Force), assisted by Ahmad Nizar Zolfakar (Director, Air Traffic Services, Department of Civil Aviation) and will include a senior 777 pilot.
Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein today confirmed that Malaysia had received “some radar data”, but the authorities were not at the liberty to release information from other countries.
“I appeal to all our partners to continue volunteering any and all information that could help with the investigation and the search for MH370.
“Regarding reports that the plane was sighted in the Maldives, I can confirm that the Malaysian chief of the defence force has contacted his counterpart in the Maldives, who has confirmed that these reports are not true,” he said at a daily press conference here today.
MH370 has been missing since March 8 on a flight from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Beijing, China, carrying some 239 passengers and crew . The plane was last spotted by the civilian radar flying over the South China Sea, an hour after takeoff about 12.40am Saturday morning. The plane appeared in the military radar an hour later, in the western side of peninsula Malaysia heading towards the Andaman Sea.
Authorities have not ruled out possibility of a hijack as the plane had its internal transponders switched off after losing contact with the civilian aircraft radar.
On the police investigations into the passengers and crew of the jetliner, Hishammuddin, who is also Defence Minister, said the case has been classified under section 130C of the Penal Code.
“All passengers, crew and ground staff handling the aircraft are being investigated. We are sharing all information relevant to the case with all relevant international investigative agencies that require it. We have received passenger background checks from all countries apart from Ukraine and Russia, both of which had nationals on board.
“So far, no information of significance on any passengers has been found. Local and international expertise has been recruited to examine the pilot’s flight simulator (found at the pilot’s house). Some data had been deleted from the simulator and forensic work to retrieve this data is on-going.
“I would like to take this opportunity to state that the passengers, the pilots and the crew remain innocent until proven otherwise. For the sake of their families, I ask that we refrain from any unnecessary speculation that might make an already difficult time even harder,” he added.
High-level team to Beijing
On the search for the missing jet, he said the focus remain on narrowing the search corridor, by gathering satellite information, analysing radar data, increasing air and surface assets and increasing the number of technical experts.
“On the diplomatic front, all 26 countries involved in the search and rescue operation have verbally agreed to assist the operations, and Malaysia has written to all countries formally requesting co-operation.
“A number of assets which have already been committed are awaiting diplomatic clearance to begin operations. Once we receive formal clearance, we can then speed up the deployment of assets along the search corridors,” he said.
The minister also announced the formation of a high-level team that will travel to Beijing immediately.
“I would like to announce that in addition to the team that is already on the ground, Malaysia is currently assembling a high-level team that will immediately travel to Beijing. The team will give briefings and updates to the next of kin on the latest situation, and on search and rescue plans,” he said.
The team will include representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Department of Civil Aviation, and Malaysia Airlines.
It will be led by Lieutenant General Ackbal Haji Abdul Samad (Air Operation Commander, Royal Malaysia Air Force), assisted by Ahmad Nizar Zolfakar (Director, Air Traffic Services, Department of Civil Aviation) and will include a senior 777 pilot.
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