Malaysia's government expressed a potential resurgence of efforts in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, considering a proposal from a US technology firm, Ocean Infinity. The firm suggested initiating a renewed exploration in the southern Indian Ocean, where it is presumed the aircraft crashed ten years ago. Transport Minister Anthony Loke disclosed that Ocean Infinity has put forward a renewed "no find, no fee" proposition, aiming to extend the exploration beyond the previous search area investigated in 2018. Loke conveyed his intention to meet with representatives from the company to assess any updated scientific evidence they possess, which could potentially reveal the final location of the aircraft.
Emphasizing the government's unwavering commitment to locating MH370, Loke spoke at an event commemorating the tenth anniversary of the plane's disappearance. He expressed hope that the renewed search efforts would bring closure to the families of the victims. The Boeing 777 aircraft, carrying 239 individuals, predominantly Chinese nationals, departed from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, before disappearing from radar shortly after takeoff. Satellite data indicated a deviation from the designated flight path, leading to the belief that the plane went down in the southern Indian Ocean.
Despite extensive multinational search operations, no substantial leads were uncovered, although fragments of debris were discovered along the East African coast and Indian Ocean islands. A private search conducted by Ocean Infinity in 2018 also yielded no results. However, this tragedy prompted endeavors to enhance aviation safety measures.
KS Nathan, a member of the Voice MH370 group representing next-of-kin, mentioned Ocean Infinity's prior plan for a renewed search last year, which was delayed due to logistical reasons. However, Nathan indicated that the initiative is now progressing, instilling hope for the families of the victims.
Loke refrained from disclosing the financial terms proposed by Ocean Infinity for locating the plane, citing ongoing negotiations. He assured that financial constraints would not impede the search efforts, expressing optimism for the forthcoming endeavor.
Loke's announcement evoked tears of relief from some family members attending the event in a Kuala Lumpur mall. Jacquita Gomes, whose husband was a flight attendant on MH370, expressed gratitude for the potential opportunity to attain closure and bid a final farewell to her loved one. She emphasized the emotional turmoil endured by the families over the past decade and voiced her desire for continued search efforts if the plane remains undiscovered.
During the event, family members from Malaysia, Australia, China, and India paid tribute to the passengers, symbolically lighting candles on stage in their memory. Bai Zhong, representing families from China, asserted their relentless pursuit of truth, regardless of the passage of time, expressing confidence that the truth behind the incident will eventually emerge.
