MH370: Financial aid for families of passengers - Hamzah

The government met with family members of passengers on missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 today to discuss on matters related to their welfare. Among it was the issue of financial aid.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin, who led the next-of kin-committee, met with about 40 family members from Malaysia as well as China at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Hamzah said the matter will be brought forward to the committee tomorrow to be discussed further, so that the government could help ease the burden of family members affected by the tragic incident.

“We work closely with the family members to ensure their interests are close to our heart.”

“We understand there is a desperate need for information from the family members and people who are following this incident closely from around the world,” he said.

The two-hour closed door meeting was also attended by Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Director-General Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman and Malaysia Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yayha.

When questioned about who will be providing the financial aid, Hamzah said it will be from MAS with assistance from the government, if required.

Hamzah reiterated the financial aid will cover both the Malaysian and Chinese next-of-kin.

On the announcement of the official status of MH370, Hamzah said it will only be done when the authorities receive evidence of the plane’s disappearance.

“We can’t go on like this; there should be a timeline for us but that will be decided later.”

“There must be confirmation on various issues and evidences before making such announcement. We need to really understand the situation,” he adds.

The Malaysian authorities have been criticised on its handling of the MH370, particularly from family members of the Chinese passengers.

“We understand that this a difficult situation and we believe this is the first of a kind incident in the world,” Hamzah said, adding that authorities will only make an announcement on the status after the information has been verified by the experts.

Hamzah added that it is also important for the Chinese government to explain to the families to better understand the position and the different cultures of both countries.

“This is important to ensure this incident does not affect long-forged Malaysia-China bilateral relations. The Chinese government should clear up any misunderstanding that has arise and explain to the family members," he said.