If there is credible evidence, Malaysia will have discussion with the Chinese and Australian govts to continue the search, minister says
by ASILA JALIL / graphic by TMR
MALAYSIA’S position remains the same in regards to the new leads of the missing Malaysian Airline MH370 aircraft, whereby it is ready to work with any parties to proceed with investigation if there is credible evidence.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Malaysia cannot work unilaterally in the search of the plane despite claims on new leads regarding its location based on research documents by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
Wee added that Malaysia needs to discuss with the Chinese and Australian governments as agreed in the understanding between the three countries on the search for the missing flight.
“We are ready to work with any party and we must verify the findings with a competent body.
“Credible evidence must be found, and if there is credible evidence, we are willing to proceed (the search mission),” he said during the launch of Malaysia Maritime Week 2022 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
In an earlier statement, the ministry said it is ready to work with ATSB on a document released by British aeronautical engineer Richard Godfrey that claims new leads on the location of the missing aircraft.
ATSB had previously issued a statement where it said the bureau had requested a third party to review data obtained from the search to re-validate that no items of interest were detected in prior searches in light of Godfrey’s “MH370 Flight Path” paper.
Meanwhile, at the event, Wee called the Malaysian maritime communities to support a green transition of the shipping sector to reduce greenhouse gases emission and achieve net zero emission by 2050.
He said all stakeholders such as port operators are encouraged to incorporate greener plans in their operations.
“The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) theme for World Maritime Day 2022 is ‘New technologies for greener shipping’.
“This theme, as mentioned by IMO secretary general M Kitack Lim, serves as an opportunity to reflect the need to support a green transition of the maritime sector into a sustainable future.
“This brings us all to focus on the importance of a sustainable maritime sector, and the need to rebuild better and greener in a post-pandemic world.
“Hence, the Malaysian maritime communities are called to actively support a greener transition of the shipping sector into a sustainable future, and showcase maritime innovation, research and development, and demonstration and deployment of new technologies,” he said.
To achieve the initiative, Wee said the sector needs a strong partnership, as mentioned in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals point 17 which highlights the importance of partnerships and implementation to achieve the goals.
This includes the involvement of all parties to share and distribute information on best practices and to access resources and general know-how.
The Malaysia Maritime Week 2022 is a joint effort between the government and the maritime industry, organised by the Transport Ministry (MOT) with the cooperation from Marine Department Malaysia and Malaysian Ship Owner Association.
The event focuses on the importance of ship safety, maritime security, and protection of the marine environment as well as to update maritime communities on the latest development in the IMO.