MH370: No claims filed with Malaysia in search for plane

Countries participating in the search for the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370 aircraft which vanished on March 8, have not filed any claims with Malaysia, so far. This is despite the search involving their military assets, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. He said countries such as Australia and China were directly involved in the search for the missing airliner and the two governments, together with Malaysia would discuss the matter of cost sharing to continue the search in the second phase. "I believe Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (transport minister) in his follow-up trip to Canberra, Australia, will discuss search cost sharing, which I believe will be divided or shared among the three countries. "I must state our appreciation to the Australian Government as it has extended similar assistance in the past, without any request for cost from us. "Even now, there is no demand for us to share the cost. Being a responsible government, we agree to share the cost," he told a press conference after opening the Tanjong Umno division meeting here Sunday. Flight MH370 carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members, was believed to have ended its journey in the southern Indian Ocean, west of Perth, Australia, based on satellite data analysis by United Kingdom experts. The search for MH370 is still underway. On the total cost to be discussed, Hishammuddin said Liow would make an announcement after his discussions with the Australian Government. Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said Malaysians could donate blood for Gaza residents as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with war-torn Palestine via peaceful campaigns organised by non-governmental organisations