Seeking closure: Loke fielding questions from the media during the press conference at the Transport Ministry in Putrajaya. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: After the suspension of search efforts for over six years, the Cabinet has agreed in principle to resume search operations for the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the government is negotiating terms and conditions with US-based marine exploration company Ocean Infinity, which has proposed a new search for the wreckage of MH370 – one of the greatest aviation mysteries in history.
“It is expected to finalise in early 2025,” Loke told reporters during a press conference at the Transport Ministry here yesterday.
“This reflects the Malaysian government’s commitment to continuing the search operation and provide closure for the families of MH370 passengers.”
Ocean Infinity’s initial search in 2018, which covered a 25,000 sq km area in the southern Indian Ocean, ended after six months without any breakthroughs.
Before that, an expansive joint effort by Malaysia, China and Australia explored a 120,000 sq km area in the same ocean, but concluded in 2017 without results.
Last month, Loke informed Parliament that Putrajaya was considering Ocean Infinity’s renewed proposal.
In March, the Texan-based firm claimed that it had found new scientific evidence on the last location of MH370.
Loke said the proposal is based on a “no find, no fee” principle and Malaysia will not pay Ocean Infinity if the wreckage is not found.
“The fee is US$70mil (RM315.8mil) if the plane is found,” he added.
Ocean Infinity proposed a new search area, estimated to cover 15,000 sq km in the southern Indian Ocean.
“The proposed new search area is based on the latest information and data analysis conducted by experts and researchers.
“The company’s proposal is credible and merits further examination by the Malaysian government,” said Loke.
He said search efforts for MH370 will resume after the contract is finalised and signed between the government and Ocean Infinity.
“They (Ocean Infinity) also informed us that in that area, the suitable time to search would be between January and April,” he added.
“So, we will try to finalise the agreement immediately and they have given us the commitment that once the contract is signed, search efforts will begin.”
Loke also said the contract will last for 18 months and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) is vetting the agreement to ensure fair terms.
More details about the search area and contract will be disclosed soon.
“We are still negotiating the terms, but it’s definitely not a case of finding one or two pieces and declaring the plane found,” he said.
Some of the next of kin of MH370 passengers have been informed of the Cabinet’s decision.
“We hope this time the wreckage will be found, offering some answers to the families of those on board,” Loke added.
In 2018, a 449-page study –Safety Investigation Report on MH370 – said it could not rule out “unlawful interference” by a third party following an analysis of the behaviour and characteristics of the pilots.
MH370, a Boeing 777-200ER, was en route from KL International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport in China when it went missing on March 8, 2014.
The plane disappeared from radar screens less than an hour after take-off. There were 239 people on board, 12 of whom were crew members.
Over the years, debris – of which some were confirmed and others believed to be from the aircraft – have been found washed up along the coast of Africa and along islands located in the Indian Ocean.
