Search For MH370 Suspended - Malaysia's Transport Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- The search operation for MH370, spanning over 120,000 square kilometres in the southern Indian Ocean has been suspended, after almost three years since the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) plane disappeared while on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said following an agreement between the three countries involved in the operation, the last vessel in the operation had also been told to leave the search area. "They have completed the 120,000 sq km search, and I would like to confirm the vessel will leave the search area by today (Tuesday)," he told reporters here Tuesday. He said the search for the plane carrying 239 passengers and crew members which had to date cost US$112.47 million (RM500 million), would only be resumed if there was new information and concrete evidence in the future. Flight MH370 vanished from radar screens on March 8, 2014, and following that, search missions have been carried out continuously in the Indian Ocean to detect the Boeing 777-200ER aicraft. When asked on future search operations, Liow said this would be referred to the group of experts involved before further action was taken. Meanwhile, he said the government expressed its appreciation on the efforts and commitment by the various parties involved in the search operation for the missing jet. "It's not an easy job but we still managed to continue with the search up to 120,000 square kilometres. However, the aircraft is yet to be found," he said. Earlier, Liow had launched the national-level Road Safety Campaign and Integrated Operations in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year. -- BERNAMA