Petronas has set up a RM10 million initial seed fund to assist the government in providing support to families of those on board the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

In a statement here today, the national oil company also called on all business corporations from within and outside the oil and gas industry to pool their resources for the fund, "Care for MH017".

Queries pertaining to it can be channeled via email to [email protected]

Petronas said its management and staff are deeply saddened by the tragedy and conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those on board the flight.

Flight MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it went down in Ukraine. It was carrying 298 people, comprising 283 passengers and 15 crew.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said earlier today, the Ukrainian authorities believe the Boeing 777 was shot down.