MH370: New search area to be announced soon - Hishammuddin

The new search area for MH370 would be announced in one or two weeks, said Acting Transport minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said the operation would still be concentrated in the southern corridor.

"We have not ceased the search but before we announce the new phase of the operation we are carrying out jointly with China and Australia, we will also identify our asset needs," he told reporters here today.

Hishammuddin who is also Defence minister, said additional vessels, the Zhu Kenzhen 872 (China), Fugeo Equator (Holland), Deftech Phoenix International (Petronas) and Multi-beam Echo Sounder and Sun Bottom proflier (SapuraKencana), were ready to be deployed to the new location.

He earlier attended a briefing on preparations for the official opening of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA2) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday.

According to him, the asset committee led by Defence deputy minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri would work with China and Australia to identify the assets.

As regards technical expertise, Transport deputy minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi would seek the cooperation of Boeing, Immarsat, Rolls Royce, American National Transportation Safety Board and China's Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, he said.