Liow: Plane search suspended until more data found

KUALA LUMPUR: The tripartite co-operation between Malaysia, Australia and China will convene on the search of MH370 when credible evidence arises, said Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The Transport Minister said a suggested search area of 25,000 sq km given by an expert team only had a probability of 85%, located north of the previous search area.

“We need more studies from the Australia Transport Safety Bureau. They are looking at the satellite images, debris and pattern.

“The tripartite has decided to suspend the search until we have more credible data, more credible evidence to the search area.

“We cannot just look at an area that we’re not sure of,” he told reporters after the third remembrance event for MH370 yesterday.

Liow said that funding was never an issue but it was vital to have more credible evidence.

Comforting hand: Liow having a chat with three-year-old Jack (seated left) and his brother Lincoln, six, while their mother Danica Weeks looks on during the third Remembrance Day for MH370.

When a 60,000 sq km search was completed, he said they were told to go for another 60,000 sq km search and that was with a 99% probability.

On the two pieces of debris that were discovered in South Africa recently, Liow said the South African Government has sent high resolution photographs to its Malaysian counterparts for further analysis.

To date, 27 pieces of debris from MH370 have been collected.

“If we can confirm it is from our plane, we will take back the debris and further analyse it and will inform the public.

“So far, we can confirm that three pieces of debris are from MH370. We’re almost certain on five more pieces, awaiting more analysis from the Department of Civil Aviation.

“We also have an expert team in Australia to help us identify the debris,” he said, adding that the Malaysian Government would allow the next of kin of those on board the flight to view the debris in Malaysia’s possession.

As for the next of kin’s suggestion to privately fund the search north of the previous area, he said: “Everybody can pitch in and have their own way in helping to look for MH370. We’ll raise this up with the Malaysian, Chinese and Australian governments.”

In his speech, Liow told the next of kin that the Malaysian ICAO Annex 13 Safety Investigation Team will issue the final report this year.

MH370 was bound for Beijing from Kuala Lumpur on March 8, 2014 with 239 passengers and crew members when it vanished mysteriously.