Malaysia's government is considering a new search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared a decade ago, after a proposal from US technology firm Ocean Infinity. The firm has suggested a fresh search in the southern Indian Ocean, where the plane is believed to have crashed.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that Ocean Infinity has proposed a new search on a "no find, no fee" basis, expanding from their initial search area in 2018. Loke has invited the company to discuss new scientific evidence it claims to have regarding the plane's whereabouts.
If the evidence is credible, he will seek the Cabinet's approval to sign a new contract with Ocean Infinity to resume the search.
"The government is steadfast in our resolve to locate MH370. We really hope the search can find the plane and provide truth to the next-of-kin", The New Zealand Herald reported.
Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 carrying 239 people, vanished from radar on March 8, 2014, shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing. Satellite data indicated that the plane deviated from its flight path and likely crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.
Despite an extensive multinational search effort, no clues were found, although several pieces of debris were discovered on the East African coast and Indian Ocean islands. A private search by Ocean Infinity in 2018 also yielded no results, but it led to efforts to improve aviation safety.
K.S. Nathan, a member of the Voice MH370 group representing next-of-kin, stated that Ocean Infinity had initially planned a new search last year but was delayed by the delivery of its new fleet. However, the search is now on track to resume.
While Loke did not disclose the fee proposed by Ocean Infinity if the plane is found, he emphasized that cost is not an issue. His announcement brought tears of joy to some family members at the event, offering hope for closure and a final goodbye.
Family members from Malaysia, Australia, China, and India paid tribute to their loved ones during the event, lighting candles on stage in their memory.
"No matter if it is 10 years, 20 years, or more, as long as we are still alive, we will not cease to press for the truth," said Bai Zhong from China, whose wife was on the plane. "We believe the truth will eventually come to light."