Hishammuddin: First phase of MH370 search operations cost RM27.6 million

Malaysia has to date spent RM27.6 million in the first phase of the search operations to locate the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370.

Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the cost covered the logistic needs of the Malaysian rescue team, which included fuel cost and food.

However, Hishammuddin said that the cost has not been finalised yet.

He added that the rescuers involved in the operations were from the Royal Malaysian Airforce, Royal Malaysian Police, Fire and Rescue Department, Royal Malaysian Navy and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

The cost that was incurred by the Malaysian rescue team is a small amount if compared with the amount spent by other countries for their assets.

"I am proud that Malaysia has many friends that come forward to help in the search at their own expenses and without asking for anything in return,” he said at a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

Prior to that, Hishammuddin, during the question and answer session in Dewan Rakyat, said the search operations has entered a transition phase that will focus on searching under the sea surface.

“During the Transition phase, three main activities will be carried out including re-analysing the date to determine a more accurate search area, performing bathymetric survey for mapping the seabed and acquiring the latest assets with side scan sonar capabilities,” he said.

He added that an international investigating team was formed on April 25, and the team will release a complete report regarding the investigation findings and recommendations.