09/03/2026

MONDAY | MAR 9, 2026

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Support group calls for continuance of MH370 search

Anwar hails role of women in nation’s progress PETALING JAYA: In his International Women’s Day message yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hailed the sacrifices and resilience of Malaysian women, describing them as the backbone of families and a driving force behind the nation’s progress. In a post on his official Facebook page, Anwar highlighted the central role women play in nurturing strong families, fostering cohesive communities and advancing national development. “Women are the heartbeat of the family, pillars of society and an important driver of the nation’s progress. “Behind strong families and prosperous communities lie the sacrifice, resilience and wisdom of women who never tire of giving love for a better future.” Reflecting on his personal life, Anwar paid tribute to his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and their children for their unwavering support throughout his political journey. “Personally, I deeply appreciate the sacrifices of the women in my own life, especially Azizah and our children, who have always been a source of strength, patience and support throughout this journey of struggle. “The same strength is reflected in millions of women across the country – mothers, wives, daughters, educators, caregivers and community leaders – who strive every day, often quietly, for the sake of their families and our beloved nation.” Anwar called for continued recognition of women’s contributions, urging Malaysians to respect, empower and provide fair opportunities for women to contribute to the nation’s development. “You are the strength, the hope and the future of the nation.” Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the national level 2026 International Women’s Day would be held on March 10 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre. She said the event, themed Memartabat Wanita, Memperkukuh Negara (Empowering Women, Strengthening the Nation), to be officiated by Anwar, underscores the government’s commitment to empowering women and ensuring their voices are valued. “To all women – mothers, daughters, sisters, leaders, entrepreneurs and educators – thank you for your dedication, sacrifices and resilience that inspire us all. Happy International Women’s Day,” she said in a post on her Facebook page. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil paid tribute to his mother and wife in a post on his Facebook page. “Thank you for the strength, love and inspiration you bring to the world.” Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said empowering women in both the formal and gig economies remains a ministry priority. “Through skills development, social protection, fair job opportunities and safe, inclusive workplaces, I am committed to helping more women join and thrive in the workforce. “I believe that when women have equal opportunities to succeed, it benefits families, communities and strengthens the nation.” – By Faiz Ruzman

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Voice370, which represents relatives of 239 passengers and crew, says extension of contract to locate aircraft should be granted without hesitation

PETALING JAYA: Families of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 passengers have called for the continuation of the deep-sea search for the missing aircraft, even as weeks of operations by Ocean Infinity in the southern Indian Ocean have so far yielded no trace. Voice370, the family support group representing relatives of the 239 passengers and crew, said any extension of the search contract should be granted without hesitation. The latest search conducted by Ocean Infinity covered 7,571sq km over 28 operational days across two phases following a March 25, 2025 agreement. The broader search area was estimated at 15,000sq km. Phase 2 concluded on Jan 23, 2026. Voice370 said while Ocean Infinity’s current contract runs until June, deteriorating sea conditions and the approaching winter make it unlikely that Ocean Infinity could continue with the search. On Dec 30 last year, the Texas-based Ocean Infinity restarted its seabed search for MH370, embarking on a 55-day operation focused on areas considered most likely to yield the missing aircraft. Conducted under a service agreement with the Malaysian government, the mission operates on a “no find, no fee” basis, shielding Malaysia from costs if no wreckage is recovered. Should debris be located, Ocean Infinity stands to earn US$70 million (RM283.7 million) – the same terms offered during its initial 2018 search. “A simple addendum extending the contract period without altering the core terms would allow the search to continue without delay,” said Voice370. “If the present search is unsuccessful, we would also urge Malaysia to consider extending similar opportunities to other capable deep-sea exploration companies under the same ‘no find, no fee’ framework “We are grateful to the Malaysian government for accepting this offer, and to Ocean Infinity for its willingness to undertake such an arduous mission without certainty of reward. “Above all, we remember the 239 passengers and crew of MH370 whose absence continues to be felt every single day by the families and loved ones they left PETALING JAYA: A total of 649 Malaysians remain stranded across the Middle East, with evacuation efforts ongoing to bring travellers home, said the Foreign Ministry. It said 24,568 Malaysians had registered with the ministry via the e-Konsular system as of 6pm on March 7. The ministry said in a statement that the number of stranded Malaysians in Oman had dropped sharply from 190 to five following recent departures. In the United Arab Emirates, 246 Malaysians have left Dubai, leaving 176 still on the Malaysian mission’s active list. In Abu Dhabi, 25 Malaysians remain, while five have departed. In Bahrain 105 have registered for voluntary evacuation. Saudi Arabia continues to host the largest group of stranded nationals, with 243 Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The Transport Ministry said the search by Ocean Infinity for the missing aircraft on a ‘no find, no fee’ basis covered 7,571sq km of seabed. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Infinity had also conducted additional survey activities prior to the formal agreement to support the operation. “As of the date of this update, the search activities undertaken have not yielded any findings confirming the location of the aircraft wreckage.” To date, only a few confirmed pieces of wreckage, including wing flaperons, have washed up along western Indian Ocean islands and the east African coast. The main wreckage and black boxes remain missing, leaving MH370 one of aviation’s greatest mysteries and prompting ongoing international search efforts. “The government’s priority is assisting Malaysians stranded due to travel disruptions and facilitating their return through available commercial flights.” The ministry said the travel advisory issued on March 5 covering Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE remains in force until further notice. Evacuation is currently based on available travel corridors and commercial flights operating in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkiye. “The Ministry expresses appreciation to the governments concerned, relevant authorities and airline operators for facilitating these movements.” The Foreign Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya remains active 24 hours a day to assist affected Malaysians and can be contacted at +603-8887 4570 or dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.

behind. We will never give up the fight for answers,” it said in a statement. Yesterday marked the 12th anniversary of MH370’s disappearance, a tragedy that continues to weigh heavily on families and the global aviation community. Flight MH370 vanished on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, less than an hour after take-off. Investigations indicated that the aircraft deviated from its planned route over the Malay Peninsula before heading south over the Indian Ocean. In a statement, the Transport Ministry’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau said Ocean Malaysians, mostly Umrah pilgrims, still awaiting repatriation. The Malaysian Consulate General in Jeddah is coordinating with travel operators and authorities to facilitate their return. Additional services by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Batik Air have been scheduled for the coming days. “Iraqi airspace remains closed while civilian flights in Qatar remain restricted. “The ministry and the National Security Council continue to monitor developments. These assessments will not affect efforts to assist Malaysians in the region.” Those in the Middle East are urged to register or update their details through the e-Konsular system or the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission for coordinated evacuation. “The Cabinet has also approved a contingency evacuation plan should the regional security situation deteriorate.

More than 600 M’sians still stranded in Middle East