Missing MH370: All background checks received - except those from Russia and Ukraine

SEPANG: Malaysian authorities have received background checks on passengers from all relevant countries, except for Russia and Ukraine, said Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

"We have received passengers background checks on individuals from all countries except the Ukraine and Russia which had nationals on board. So far no information of significance on any passenger has been found, said Hishammuddin at press conference on Wednesday

A total of 239 passengers and crew of different nationalities were flying on the Kuala Lumpur - Beijing flight that took off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 8. 

The flight, which disappeared from Malaysian radars at 2.15am on the same day carried citizens of China, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, France, the United States of America, Ukraine, Canada, Russia, Taiwan and the Netherlands on board. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to state that the passengers, the pilots and the crew remain innocent until proven otherwise. For the sake of their families, I ask that we refrain from any unnecessary speculation that might make an already difficult time even harder," said Hishammuddin.