SAF DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT FOR MH370 SEARCH

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has deployed a Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to the Strait of Malacca to assist in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, said Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

This brings the total type of SAF assets deployed in the search-and-locate operation to six.

The MPA, with six personnel on board, departed from Changi Airbase West this afternoon.

Dr Ng announced the deployment of the MPA at the sidelines of the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) 6th Steering Committee Meeting held at Bukit Batok Fire Station.

He had offered the additional assistance to the Malaysian government after the search area expanded beyond the South China Sea.

Since 8 Mar, the SAF has deployed C-130 transport planes, Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast with a Sikorsky S-70B Naval Helicopter on board, submarine support and rescue vessel MV Swift Rescue with divers onboard, as well as Missile Corvette RSS Vigour.

These assets will continue their search in the South China Sea.

Speaking to the media, Dr Ng conveyed his sympathies to the families of the passengers of MH370, and assured that "Singapore is not giving up" in the international search efforts.

No sign of the missing MH370 aircraft has been found after seven days of search.

But Dr Ng reminded SAF servicemen involved that their efforts are for the families of the passengers, especially those from Malaysia and China. "This is what we are working for and I think the international effort must support the Malaysians who are handling this crisis and we will continue in this search effort."

Dr Ng added that he had spoken to Malaysia Defence Minister and Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to offer further help if needed.

When asked about the value of expanding the search to the Strait of Malacca, Dr Ng said the search had been difficult because decisions had to be made without precise information. But the SAF is committed to helping the Malaysians.

He said: "Whether we are in the South China Sea or the Strait of Malacca we are fully supportive of the Malaysians and we will continue to be diligent in the areas that we have been assigned."