Missing MH370: Search and rescue scope expanded to Straits of Malacca

KUALA LUMPUR - The search and rescue scope has been expanded beyond the flight path to the West Peninsular of Malaysia at the Straits of Malacca, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) said in a statement at 11.15am today.

It said the authorities were looking at a possibility of an attempt made by the missing MH370 flight to turn back to Subang.

"As we enter into Day 4, the aircraft is yet to be found.

"All angles are being looked at. We are not ruling out any possibilities," the airlines said.

MAS added that the SAR mission is aided by various countries - Australia, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines and the United States of America.

The airlines said the assets deployed to cover the search and rescue were extensive, where nine aircraft and 24 vessels were deployed on this mission.

It said apart from the search in the sea, search on land in between these areas was also being conducted.

"The search and rescue teams have analysed debris and oil slick found in the waters. It is confirmed that it does not belong to MH370."

MAS also said it had a special task force to take care of families of the passengers.

It said Mercy Malaysia, Tzu Chi and others were also helping the airlines by providing special psychological counseling to families and the MH crew.

MAS added that the Chinese government officials in Malaysia were working closely with the airlines.

It said a representative from the embassy was stationed at the Emergency Operations Centre to assist with the emergency management and matters related to families in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, the Prime Minister's special envoy to China, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting is there to assist and coordinate all operational matters with MAS.

MAS said the B777-200 aircraft that operated MH370 underwent maintenance on Feb 23, 12 days before the particular flight on Mar 8. The maintenance was conducted at the KLIA hangar and there were no issues on the health of the aircraft.

The next check is due on June 19.

It said the aircraft was delivered to the airlines in 2002 and had since recorded 53,465.21 hours with a total of 7525 cycles.

"All MAS aircraft are equipped with continuous data monitoring system called the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) which transmits data automatically.

"Nevertheless, there were no distress calls and no information was relayed."

MAS reiterates that it would continue to be transparent in communicating with the general public via the media on all matters affecting MH370.

"We regret and empathise with the families and we will do whatever we can to ensure that all basic needs, comfort, psychological support are delivered. We are as anxious as the families to know the status of their loved ones.

"To the families of the crew on board MH370, we share your pain and anxiety. They are of the MAS family and we are deeply affected by this unfortunate incident."