PETALING JAYA: Malaysia, together with the governments of China and Australia, remains committed to the ongoing search for Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370, said Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The Transport Minister said the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) announcement on Thursday that declared the missing flight an accident has no bearing on search and recovery operations.

Here is the statement in full:

Press statement by YB Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister Of Transport

Today, the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia has declared MH370 an accident.

In accordance with International convention and practice as well as the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation has been tasked to make this Declaration of Accident. It will ensure that every assistance possible is provided to the next of kin.

This has been a trying time for the next of kin of the passengers and crew. My thoughts and prayers, and those of the nation, are with you at this difficult moment.

Today’s announcement, which was agreed between the governments of Malaysia, China and Australia, is intended to enable the families to move forward.

The announcement has no bearing on the search operations. The search for MH370 will continue. The governments of Malaysia, China and Australia remain firmly committed to the ongoing search.

The following steps have been taken recently with regards to MH370:

1) Malaysia has sent additional assets to the search area. Fugro Supporter has just arrived to assist with the underwater search. There are now four vessels participating.

2) The MH370 website has been enhanced and now includes a section specifically for the next of kin.

We thank the governments of China and Australia for their assistance in this matter.

Malaysia owes each and every one of the nations and individuals who have assisted us a tremendous debt of gratitude. We thank them for their support during one of the most challenging and trying periods in the history of aviation.