Search for MH370 continues to be a priority for Malaysia

The government has strengthened its search for the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370 with the deployment of more assets to the search area at the southern Indian Ocean.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai in a statement said, the contract to conduct the search of the missing flight at the Southern Indian Ocean sea floor Fugro Survey Pty Ltd (Fugro) has been awarded to Fugro Survey Pty Ltd (Fugro) by Malaysia and its international partners, Australia and China.

The assets are already being mobilised with Fugro Discovery en route to Perth from the United Kingdom.

“Fugro will utilise two vessels equipped with towed deep-water vehicles operated by experts who will undertake responsibility for the search operations," said Liow.

He added that the underwater search of the 60,000 square kilometre area is expected to take up a significant amount of time.

The government has also despatched the KD Mutiara, a naval survey ship which is expected to arrive in the latter half of this month to join the bathymetric survey work.

“Two vessels equipped with side scan sonar and remotely operated vehicles will be integrated into the overall capability for the underwater search being led by Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

“Another Royal Malaysian Navy vessel, Bunga Mas, which has been in the area since April 2014, will continue to support the search efforts,” said Liow.

Meanwhile, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has also volunteered to deploy underwater search equipment and a support vessel which will be used for deep-water search.

Liow said he will be in Australia from August 19 to meet Australia’s deputy Prime Minister and the relevant agencies and teams participating in the Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

A tripartite meeting between China, Australia, and Malaysia at the ministerial level will also be held.