PUTRAJAYA — Malaysia remains committed to the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 and is finalising the search agreement with Ocean Infinity (United Kingdom), the Transport Ministry said in conjunction with the 11th anniversary of the flight’s disappearance.
The ministry in a statement said in line with the Cabinet’s decision on Dec 13 last year, the government has approved a proposal by Ocean Infinity (UK) to recommence the search operation based on credible leads.
The new search will cover approximately 15,000 square kilometres in the Southern Indian Ocean. The previous search in 2018 covered 25,000 square kilometres.
“This operation will be conducted on a ‘no find, no fee’ basis, meaning payment will only be made if the aircraft wreckage is discovered.
“It remains our responsibility to pursue all credible leads in locating MH370’s final resting place, bringing much-needed closure to the families of those on board,” the ministry said.
It added that the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have appointed accredited representatives to provide technical support to the mission.
“The government appreciates the close cooperation and assistance from all parties involved in one of the most complex and challenging search efforts in aviation history,” the statement said.
In late February, Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that Ocean Infinity had resumed the hunt for the missing plane, although he did not state exactly when it had began second search.
He said although contract details between Malaysia and the firm were still being finalised, the marine robotics company had been “proactive” in deploying its ships to begin the search.
The ministry’s statement today acknowledged high public interest in the earth effort, and affirmed that it is “actively finalising a new search agreement, in line with Malaysian government procedures”.
Expressing deepest sympathy to the families of the passengers and crew of MH370, the ministry acknowledged that the passing of time does not diminish the grief and uncertainty they felt.
“Efforts to seek answers remain ongoing,” it said.
On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 departed Kuala Lumpur for Beijing with 227 passengers and 12 crew members on board. However, the aircraft vanished and remains missing to this day.
Ocean Infinity previously conducted a search operation in the Southern Indian Ocean, covering 25,000 square kilometres from January to June 2018, but no wreckage was found. – March 8, 2025