AUGUST 26 — Close to 6 months have elapsed since the disappearance of MH370 on 8th March 2014. Each passing day tests evermore the endurance of the next of kin who are waiting for their loved ones to return.

It has been more than 3 months since Bluefin-21 completed its last mission searching the remaining areas in the vicinity of the acoustic signals detected in early April by the Towed Pinger Locator. Since then, no physical search for MH370 has been conducted either underwater or on the surface in the Southern Indian Ocean, or anywhere else for that matter.

Since May 29th 2014, only preparatory work for the next phase of the search has been on-going.

Until the search commences again, there is little likelihood of the plane being found. Each passing day adds to the misery and makes it tougher for the family members. Families are waiting prayerfully for the actual search to be resumed. From the initial promise to commence within 30 days, it has now been delayed to September.

There is very little news generated due to this inactivity despite the fact that these preparatory efforts are meant to lead us one step nearer to finding the plane. We have however come across factual inaccuracies in the news content of some of the reporting.

We, the committee of Voice370, are responsible to give accurate and correct information to the authorities concerned, the press and to the public.

We believe it is essentially important to stress again what we represent:

- Over 300 family members of those onboard the Missing MH370 - These families are from Australia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia and New Zealand. - Voice370’s core objectives are:

• mutual and kindred support for one another

• to seek the truth on the Missing MH370 and find our loved ones

- The committee of Voice370 has neither initiated nor involved in any FUND raising campaign. (fund raising has never been an intention in forming voice 370)

- The committee of Voice370 has not participated in any private investigation project that is sourcing information about the plane through reward campaigns

- Statements made by the committee of VOICE370 are based on facts, and should not contain accusations.

- The formation of this family association is in line with the recommendations contained in ICAO Document 9973, and ICAO Document 9998 Section II para 2.24 and 2.25

Once again Voice370 would like to place on record our sincere thanks to the dedicated men and women, authorities and countries that are involved in this painstaking search for the Missing MH370 with our loved ones.

* Voice370 is the Official Association for Families of Passengers and Crew Onboard MH370. They can be contacted at voice370.media@gmail.com

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.