Search for MH370: Govt still mulling offer from Ocean Infinity

PARLIAMENT | Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the government is still reviewing a proposal submitted by marine robotics company Ocean Infinity in June to resume the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

During a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today, Loke confirmed that the government has not given up hope of locating the aircraft’s wreckage, which vanished en route to Beijing nearly a decade ago.

“The proposal involves restarting an underwater search operation to locate MH370’s wreckage in a newly identified area spanning an estimated 15,000 sq km in the southern Indian Ocean.

“This offer follows a ‘no find, no fee’ principle, meaning the Malaysian government will not bear any costs if no wreckage is found,” he explained in response to a question by Chong Zhemin (Harapan-Kampar).

Flight MH370, carrying 239 passengers and crew, disappeared on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

In May, Loke stated that Ocean Infinity expressed its readiness to begin the mission in November, pending further discussions and cabinet approval.

Credible proposal

Loke noted that Ocean Infinity’s proposed search area is based on the latest data analysis from consulted experts and researchers.

He also disclosed that the company had requested the same fee of US$70 million as it did in 2018.

“Ocean Infinity’s proposal is credible and may be considered by the Malaysian government, given that Malaysia is where flight MH370 was registered,” he explained.

Additionally, Loke addressed the compensation status for the next of kin of MH370 victims.

He confirmed that most families have reached settlements, although several have opted not to accept the compensation.

“While the official deadline for claims has passed, our ministry remains open to assisting as an intermediary between the families and Malaysia Airlines should any next of kin still wish to pursue their claim,” he remarked.

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