Malaysia is optimistic over the search effort for the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370, whose final resting place is believed to be in the remote Indian ocean, after it disappeared on March 8.
Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he was 99.9 per cent confident with the search mission based on the latest cutting-edge equipment.
"I am 99.9 per cent optimistic in locating the missing aircraft but the ocean is huge.
"And it all depends on various factors including the condition of the sea," he said when launching the Malaysian contracted vessel, Go Phoenix and sophisticated underwater search equipment called ProSAS towed side scan sonar, at Freemantle Port here, Wednesday.
Among those attending were Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Jailani Johari, Petronas President and Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Shamsul Azhar Abbas, DRB-HICOM group managing director, Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil and Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) chief coordinator, Judith Zielke.
Flight MH370, which was carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members left the KL International Airport at 12.41am on March 8, and disappeared from radar about an hour later while over the South China Sea.
It was to have arrived in Beijing at 6.30am on the same day. The search for the aircraft is ongoing, with no concrete evidence being found yet.
Hishammuddin also expressed his gratitude to the countries involved in the search mission, including Australia and China, and reiterated the Malaysian government's commitment to continue the search without any specific timeline.
At the same function, Petronas vice president for Malaysia Petroleum Management, Adif Zukifli said Petronas had provided USD 21 million (RM67 million) to fund the cost for the vessel, completed with crew members and the underwater search equipment.
"The funds will go to the lease of the search equipment for the duration of six months until Feb 2015," he said.
The vessel is expected to begin its 30-day search mission tomorrow (Thursday) at the southern part of the Indian ocean, about 3,000 km off Perth and Deftech DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd acts as a vendor to provide technical services for the vessel.
Meanwhile, Zielke said she would go to Kuala Lumpur today for a meeting with Malaysian authorities and international experts, involved in the MH370 investigation committee to discuss on several matters relating to the missing aircraft probe.
"We are going to discuss on the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) procedure if there is the possibility the aircraft can be found," she said.
Jailani, who is also the MH370 Media Committee chairman, expressed concern that the foreign and local media should not speculate about the missing aircraft and to produce reports based on verified information.
On the downed MAS MH17 investigation, Hishammuddin said Malaysia was committed to resolve quickly the investigation and had no intention to point any finger on anybody over who was responsible for the tragedy until the investigation completed.
MAS flight MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it went down in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine near the Russian border on July 17.
The Boeing 777-200 aircraft which was carrying 298 people - 283 passengers and 15 crew - was believed to have been shot down, but until today no one has claimed responsibility for the heinous act.
Bernama
Wed Oct 22 2014
Hishammuddin is almost 100 per cent optimistic in locating the missing aircraft despite the vastness of the ocean. - Bernama Photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.