MH370: Statement from MAS

KUALA LUMPUR - Following is the statement by Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya.

These past couple of days have been especially difficult for everyone.

For Malaysia Airlines, it was very difficult to break the devastating news of the loss of the aircraft, especially to a large number of family members of passengers and crew onboard MH370, located in many places around the world, within a short time before the Prime Minister's public announcement.

However, the well-being and feelings of family members are and have always been close to our hearts and minds.

Ever since the disappearance of Flight MH370, Malaysia Airlines' focus has been to comfort and support the families of those involved and support the multi-national search effort.

We will continue to do this, while we also continue to support the work of the investigating authorities.

Malaysia Airlines is extremely thankful for the support pouring in from governments around the world and of Malaysia, especially the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Transport.

Both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and their staff have been at the forefront of every effort in locating MH370.

Ever since satellite findings first indicated that flight MH370 ended in the South Indian Ocean nearest to Australia, the Australian government too has given immense support to Malaysia Airlines, from coordinating the search for the aircraft to offering an exemption of visa application process for families of passengers and crew on board MH370.

Malaysia Airlines will be making arrangements to take family members to Perth, should physical wreckage be found. We are extremely grateful for such support.

Whilst we understand that there will inevitably be speculation during this period, we do ask people to bear in mind the effect this has on the families of all those on board.

Their anguish and distress increases with each passing day, with each fresh rumour, and with each false or misleading report. Malaysia Airlines wishes to thank media publications that have been responsible in their reporting of MH370.

We shall continue to cooperate in providing such information as we can but independent investigations are now underway and we do operate under strict constraints in this regard.

In the meantime our top priority remains to provide any and all assistance to the families of the passengers and crew.