Missing MH370: 1,788 vessels, 17,800 crewmen deployed

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry have deployed 1,788 vessels within the east and west coast of peninsula water to assist in the search and rescue mission of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 aircraft.

Its minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the grade C2 vessels, amounting 17,880 crewmen are from Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Perlis and Penang.

"The fishermen are expert and familiar with the areas. We wish they can give a lead to the mystery incident.

"If they find anything unusual while carrying out their daily works, they can report to the relevant authorities," he told the media after visiting the families of missing passengers at Everly Hotel here today.

He was speaking in reference to the statement by the Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein on the discussion of deploying the fishermen to aid the mission.

He also said that the ministry had also sought help from the neighbour countries, including Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam's fisheries authorities.

"We already contacted our Indonesia counterpart yesterday after the discussion with Hishamuddin while in the progress of contacting the other countries.

Earlier, Ismail Sabri delivered necessary needs to the more than 100 family members who are placed at the hotel since Saturday night.