SEPANG, March 13 — Unconfirmed information on the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370 has impeded the search and rescue operation (SAR), thus affecting the family members emotionally. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Malaysia did not have reason to hide information because the main focus was to find the aircraft. A report by Cable News Network (CNN) showing images of objects associated with the missing aircraft caused the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to locate the objects which were found to be untrue. CNN reported on Thursday that China’s satellite detected three floating objects associated with the missing aircraft.

They claimed the objects were in varying sizes of [14x (note:times) 18 metres],[14×19 metres] and [24×22 metres]. Hishamuddin said the Chinese embassy had confirmed the news was untrue and an investigation was being carried out to determine the source. The Acting Transport Minister also read out the Chinese Embassy’s statement to clear the allegation. “Publication of the satellite images was a mistake. A person had put it on the website of the Chinese State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SANTIND). “The government neither authorised nor endorsed it. The person is under investigation. The images are not confirmed to be connected with the aircraft. We (China) reiterate that we will inform your side first.”

Asked about allegations the government had delayed reporting progress of the SAR operation, he said: “We don’t want to keep accusing. Our job is a joint effort. “Never before has so many assets from various countries are mobilised in SAR operation. Maybe certain parties want to provoke and take advantage, but it will not work.” Hishammuddin said Malaysia could not remove unprocessed data without being investigated because it would affect the operation. “We followed all the protocols from the first day. Believe me, we (Malaysia) have given everything. This situation is unprecedented, we are in the middle of multinational search and rescue operation. This is a crisis situation and a complex operation.” He also expressed gratitude with the cooperation of all parties who pray for the success of the SAR operation.

Pocket News

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