MH17: Zahid, IGP leave for Kiev

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has left for Kiev, Ukraine at 11.15pm, Wednesday for further investigations into the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 crash.

Ahmad Zahid, joined by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, would be heading a 68-member team of police officers and personnel from various units to join the international security team in conducting investigations on MH17 crash in Donetsk, Ukraine.

The team left the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Malaysia Airlines flight MH 5881.

Ahmad Zahid is also scheduled to meet Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko to present an official letter from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to convey Malaysia's gratefulness for the cooperation rendered by the Ukrainian government to members of MH17 special investigation team in the country recently.

Ahmad Zahid said he is not certain on how long the team will be in Ukraine considering the restive situation of the MH17 crash location.

“There is no certainty as the investigation process could be difficult considering the area is unstable. Although it is under the control of the Ukrainian military, many things can happen and we are unable to foresee how much time it will take.”

The Malaysian MH17 special investigation team comprises of the police forensic officers, Special Malaysia Search and Rescue Team (SMART) and medical officers.

Meanwhile, Khalid said the police were there to gather evidence on MH17 crash.

"The team was sent to control the location of MH17 crash and collect evidence such as aircraft debris and human remainings," he said, adding that the police would be using standard operation procedure and ensure the situation was safe before heading to the crash site.

“We need to be there to offer help to the international investigators. The aircraft belongs to Malaysia. We need to be present to show that we are serious in in finding the truth,” he added.

Currently, the MH17 international investigation team comprise personnel from three countries namely Netherlands, Malaysia and Australia.

According to Khalid, all members of the team were directed to put on safety gears such as bullet-proof vest, ballistic helmets and security mask at the location.

“In terms of security, we do not need firearms because we are going there to conduct investigations.”

The second investigation team sent from Malaysia is expected to arrive in Kiev on Thursday 11.30am local time.

Malaysia sent its first investigation team on July 19, which included 131 members of various agencies comprising of police forensic officers and a SMART team.