MH370: Singapore deploys another plane to help in search operations

Singapore has deployed one more aircraft to help with the ongoing search for the missing Malaysian Airlines plane, MH370. The Republic of Singapore Air Force sent a maritime patrol aircraft with six personnel to scour the seas in the Straits of Malacca. The latest move came after Malaysian authorities widened the search to that area earlier this week.

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Here is a statement from Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen:

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen has written to Malaysian Defence Minister Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Chinese Minister of National Defense General Chang Wanquan to convey Singapore's sympathies and reiterate support for the search-and-locate (SAL) operation for the missing Beijing-bound Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.

At a doorstop with local media today, Dr Ng said: "I know it must be very difficult for [the families] that despite the search efforts the missing plane has not been located after seven days since it's gone missing. Singapore is not giving up.

"As part of the international efforts, I can say that our servicemen from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are actively looking for the missing plane and we are not giving up."

The SAF has deployed additional assistance in the form of a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (F-50 MPA) to Butterworth Air Base, Malaysia, to assist in the SAL operation in the Malacca Strait.

Since 8 March 2014, the SAF has supported the SAL operation in the South China Sea with C-130 aircraft, a Formidable-class frigate (RSS Steadfast) with a Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter on board, a Victory-class missile corvette (RSS Vigour) as well as a submarine support and rescue vessel with divers on board.