The missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370 was today officially declared an accident under international aviation rules, and that all 239 passengers and crew aboard are presumed to have lost their lives.

In making the statement, Department of Civil Aviation director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman stressed that the search for the Boeing 777 remains a priority.

He said, the government is also committed to continuing all reasonable efforts to bring closure to this unfortunate tragedy, with the continuing cooperation and assistance from the governments of China and Australia.

Following the announcement, MAS said it will contact the appointed next-of-kin to proceed with the compensation process and remains steadfast in ensuring that fair and reasonable compensation is paid to the families of all those onboard.

Here is the full statement:


Malaysia Airlines and the world are in mourning after the declaration of the accident to flight MH370 today. It has been more than 10 agonising months since the ill-fated flight went missing.

Following the announcement today, Malaysia Airlines’ representatives will be contacting the appointed next-of-kin to proceed with the compensation process. The airline remains steadfast to ensure that fair and reasonable compensation is paid to the families of all MH370 passengers in accordance with the applicable laws.

Malaysia Airlines will deploy further resources at its Family Support Centre (FSC) which had been set up in Kuala Lumpur. In order to facilitate and expedite the compensation process, besides proactively providing updates to family members around the world, the airline has installed additional phone lines.

The FSC will be the main point of contact for NOK in Malaysia and other parts of the world, along with our various regional offices, apart from China.

Operations at the Family Communications and Support Centre (FCSC) in Beijing continue. For the convenience of family members, the Centre will be supported by additional Mandarin-speaking personnel.
Malaysia Airlines' personnel from the Human Resources department remain the main point of contact for the NOK of the airline’s cabin and technical crew lost in the tragedy.

As has been the case since the beginning of the crisis, Malaysia Airlines continues to provide assistance to the families of the passengers and crew. We understand this is an especially distressing time for all of them.

The management and staff of Malaysia Airlines wish to thank the public for their outpouring of support throughout this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the 239 passengers and crew on board flight MH370.