MH370: Not easy to mount big-scale SAR operation - Najib

Malaysia's good relations with other countries have contributed in drawing international assistance in the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 which has been missing since March 8, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The prime minister noted it would not be an easy task to bring together 26 countries in the huge search and rescue (SAR) operation if Kuala Lumpur had not established good ties with other capital cities.

"People must realise that it's a big feat to get so many countries involved in one massive operation. This would not happen without Malaysia having forged relations with many countries," Najib told the media after attending the 2014 Petronas Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit, here Sunday.

He said Malaysia was appreciative of all the support and assistance rendered by so many countries in the search for the Beijing-bound Boeing 777-200 aircraft that vanished from radar screens about one hour after take-off from the KL International Airport.

The premier also assured the Malaysian government is fully committed to the search operation as it enters its third week and that it will not stop until the plane is found.

In a posting on his official Facebook page, Najib also extended his gratitude to the Australian government and other nations involved for their tireless efforts in locating Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

The Malaysian jetliner was scheduled to land in Beijing at 6.30 am on the same day.

The SAR operation that is currently concentrated in the Indian Ocean has so far drawn a blank.

Najib announced on March 24 that Flight MH370 had ended in the southern Indian Ocean.