Malaysian team re-enters MH17 site

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian investigation team managed to re-enter the crash site of MH17 on Tuesday but only to retrieve the victims' belongings, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pix) said the team is striving to retrieve the wreckage of the aircraft which will be the main source of evidence to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said the investigation team's efforts are hampered by the cold weather.
Liow said if the team is unable to access the crash site to retrieve the wreckage any time now, they could only do it after three to four months once the winter season is over.
He was responding to Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang) who asked about the progress of the investigation and accessibility at the crash site, the cost to retrieve the remains and the total compensation paid to the victims' families.

Liow reiterated as the State of Registry and State of Operator for the MH17 aircraft, Malaysia is responsible and committed to ensure that those responsible for the tragedy are brought to justice.

"The actions to seek justice are being taken in cooperation with all the other countries that are involved in the tragedy.

"Thus, it is important to ensure that the investigations are conducted freely and fairly," he said.

Liow said the problems with separatist groups that are operating close to the crash site also prevented the Dutch and Malaysian investigation teams from accessing the area earlier.

Based on the preliminary report by the Dutch Safety Board on Sept 9, Liow explained that the only confirmation is that MH17 was brought down by high speed objects.

"Nevertheless, we still need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the alleged perpetrators are responsible for the crime. And this matter is still under investigation.

"In fact, the evidence that we need is still in Ukraine, which includes the fuselage."

Meanwhile on the compensation, Liow said MAS had agreed to pay full compensations to all the victims' families and to date, 15 families have agreed to receive the compensation of US$50,000 each from MAS.

"The entire cost of the search and repatriations is yet to be determined as the government has only spent for the logistics, accommodation and food cost of the 278 civil servants sent to Netherlands and Ukraine for the mission.

"The repatriation cost was borne by MAS," he said.