Govt seeks help from local firms in MH370 search mission

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian companies are ready to deploy their specialised assets in the new deepwater search phase for flight MH370.
Acting transport minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said he has contacted SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd (SapuraKencana), Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), Boustead Holding Bhd, Deftech Engineering Sdn Bhd to assist in the search mission.
"These companies have been contacted to possibly deploy their specialised assets to help in the search mission," Hishammuddin said.
Hishammuddin was referring to underwater systems and platforms which include unmanned vehicles, deep-water side-scan sonars, remotely operated vehicles, and support vessels.
"It is important for all Malaysian entities to work as one team to find MH370," Hishammuddin said.
On media reports that SapuraKencana was asked to deploy its assets to the Bay of Bengal over claims of flight wreckage found somewhere in the area, Hishammuddin said he has not decided on the matter and it is not the standard operating procedure to quickly deploy assets without having enough convincing data.
"To deploy these assets is not cheap and many factors have to be put under consideration," he said.
Hishammuddin will attend a trilateral meeting on May 5 in Canberra, Australia to discuss the new phase of the search mission. Among the agendas will be the deployment of assets, expert and technical advice, and engagement with families of passengers.