More confusion emerged on the seventh day the MH370 went missing as sources reveal that the flight had deliberately flew towards the Andaman Islands.
The authorities are now suspecting foul play, sabotage or hijack in the flight’s disappearance.
Sources told Reuters that military radar-tracking saw an unidentified aircraft, believed to be the missing MH370, following a route between navigational waypoint – something that only those with aviation training could do.
Sources familiar with the investigations said based on the last plot on the military radar, it is believed that the plane was flying towards the Andaman Islands.
Following the new evidence, search and rescue efforts have been extended to the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The sources said Malaysia had also requested raw radar data from Thailand, Indonesia and India which has a naval base in the Andaman Islands.
The sources said the reason for the aircraft to have lost contact with air traffic control and become invisible to civilian radar could be because someone had deliberately turned off its communication systems.
According to the sources, the unidentified aircraft had followed aviation corridors identified as N571 and P628. Pilots flying commercial planes use these routes to get to Middle East or Europe from the Southeast Asia.
“The sources also said that the last confirmed position of the aircraft was at 35,000 feet about 90 miles off the east coast of Malaysia, heading towards Vietnam, near a navigational waypoint called "Igari",” Reuters reported.
The military radar then suggested that the aircraft had turned sharply westwards, heading towards a waypoint called "Vampi", northeast of Indonesia's Aceh province.
“Vampi” is a navigational point used for planes following route N571 to the Middle East.
“From there, the aircraft had flew towards a waypoint called "Gival", south of the Thai island of Phuket, and was last plotted heading northwest towards another waypoint called "Igrex", on route P628 that would take it over the Andaman Islands and which carriers use to fly towards Europe,” the report added.
A senior Malaysian police officer was also quoted as saying that investigation are now focussing on a theory that someone who knows how to fly a plane has purposely diverted the flight from its KL-Beijing route.
The source said authorities are looking at sabotage and hijack as motives behind the aircraft’s disappearance.
Despite the search by navies and military aircrafts from 13 countries, there is still no sign of the aircraft.
All contacts with the aircraft was lost less than an hour after it took off from Kuala Lumpur.
The aircraft was carrying 239 passengers including crew. It was supposed to have landed in Beijing Saturday 6.30am.
Astro Awani
Fri Mar 14 2014
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.