Its president Ismail Nasaruddin said the families saw the Department of Civil Aviation’s announcement as a formality so that claims could be processed.

“Since the government has stated the disappearance was an accident, the claims can be processed,” he said.

Ismail said Malaysia Airlines crew members involved in such tragedies would be paid a compensation of RM90,000 but it was a small amount and he believed some families could reject it and file for higher compensation.

“They (the families) have every right to do so,” he said.

He said not many would accept the DCA’s announcement that those on board were dead unless it was substantiated with evidence, such as debris or the fuselage.

He stressed search for the plane was “not over for the families.”

“Say what you like, but it’s up to the families to decide whether there is closure or not. And until now, there has been no closure, and there is a need for one.