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THE MINISTRY of Transport has expressed its full support for Ocean Infinity’s proactive deployment of ships to continue the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in the Indian Ocean.
Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook praised the renewed search efforts, describing the move as a positive step forward for the next of kin (NOK) of those aboard the flight, who have been eagerly awaiting the resumption of the search operation.
Loke confirmed that the government had given principal approval for the search’s resumption.
"Since Ocean Infinity has already begun mobilising their ships, of course, we welcome it because we have given our principal approval for the search to resume. We're now just in the process of finalizing the contract, which is set to be signed soon," he said at a press conference today.
He added the final steps to sign the contract were underway.
"Currently, we are finalising our contract. We just received clearance from the Attorney General's Chambers, and there are a few changes to be made regarding the terms and conditions. So, we are still finalizing the details of the contract before it is signed," Bernama reported him saying, following a report from German news agency dpa stating that the search for the MH370 wreckage had commenced.
When asked why the Malaysian government had decided to proceed with the search, Loke provided insight into Ocean Infinity's confidence in the operation.
"Ocean Infinity has assured us that their findings are based on comprehensive research and data gathered from multiple experts," he explained.
"They are confident that the area they are currently targeting for the search is more credible. They previously covered a large portion of the area and believe that this specific section was overlooked during earlier search efforts."
Loke said, "They are optimistic that this area will provide positive results, and they are willing to take the risk to resume the search. That is why the Malaysian government is moving forward with it."
He added that the operation not only aims to provide answers for the families of the missing passengers but also to resolve the aviation industry’s greatest mystery. "This is the biggest mystery in the history of aviation," he said.
The Transport Minister also clarified that the renewed search would not continue indefinitely. "The search will not go on forever. We will establish a specific timeframe in the contract, and the details are still being finalized," he stated.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared on March 8, 2014, during its journey from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 passengers and crew members on board. The plane veered off its flight path, as indicated by radar and satellite data, and its location has remained a mystery ever since. - February 25, 2025
