#MH370 PRESS CONFERENCE Sunday, 16 March 2014 (5:30 PM) 1. The Search & Rescue Operations have entered a new phase which is highly complex and is now a multinational effort. The nature of the search has changed. The authorities are now looking at large stretch of lands, surrounding oceans crossing 11 countries. 2. There are now a total of 25 countries involved along the Northern and Southern Corridors. The authorities are also discussing on how best to deploy the assets on both corridors which is treated with equal importance. 3. The authorities are asking for countries that have satellite access including the U.S. China and France amongst others to provided satellite data. Surveillance aircrafts are required and maritime vessels needed for Southern corridor. 4. As the Prime Minister said yesterday, up until the time the aircrafts left the military primary radar coverage its movements were consistent with deliberate action by someone on the plane. 5. The investigation will also be refocused to all the crew, passengers and ground staff that was handling the MH370 aircraft. The refocus of the investigations is caused by new information of certain equipment being intentionally turned off. Yesterday, officers from the Royal Malaysian police visited the home of the pilot and spoke to family members and experts are examining the pilots flight simulator. The police also visited the home of the co-pilot. According to Malaysian Airlines, the pilot and co pilot did not ask to fly together on MH370. 6. In light of the new development and findings of the tactical team the investigation has been classified under Section 130C of the penal code. This provides investigation into offences of hijacking, sabotage, includes act of terrorism and also all offences under the Aviation Offences Act. 7 . Malaysian Airlines confirms that the aircraft was subjected to the required maintenance program as proven by the Boeing maintenance planning documents. Checks are done according to this program and the aircraft has been fully serviced and fit to fly. 8. The aircraft took off with planned fuel and no additional fuel. 9. Families of passengers are getting immediate financial assistance by Malaysia Airlines but no compensation is discussed until authorities find out what happened to the aircraft. 10. On the 2 fake passports being a breach of security, DS Hishammuddin mentioned that its not right to say its a breach of SOP’s, as any new info received will be verified with the existing SOP but this case is unprecedented. This case is being monitored across the world and it may change the aviation industry. 11. The authorities hope that with the new wave of information, more parties with expertise will come forward & help narrow the search for #MH370 12. The authorities assured that the media will be kept fully briefed on the investigations but maintains its priority is on the Search & Rescue efforts #prayforMH370
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 11:24:46 +0000
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