KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 ― The family members of those aboard Flight MH370 are within their rights to seek compensation over the air disaster, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The Bentong MP explained that Putrajaya has encouraged the group to submit their claims before the deadline today, the second anniversary of the plane's mysterious disappearance.
“It's their right. That's why we tell them to file their claims,” Liow told reporters in Parliament when asked to comment on the raft of lawsuits ahead of the expiry to claim compensation.
A total of 76 family members of 32 passengers on board the plane filed a civil suit at the High Court here yesterday.
The plaintiffs are suing Putrajaya, Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB, but formerly MAS), the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) for conspiracy, fraud and failure to fulfil statutory obligations.
Liow said the government has consistently asked the families to file their claims before the term expires.
Under the Montreal Convention, of which Malaysia is a signatory, family members may claim for indemnity or losses for any deaths or injuries caused by carriers within two years.
Earlier today, the fourth session of the 13th Dewan Rakyat sitting observed a minute of silence to mark the second anniversary of MH370's disappearance.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has said that Putrajaya remains committed to finding the plane.
Liow said government efforts to search for the Boeing 777 never stopped, noting that Putrajaya is still pumping resources into the mission now.
“We have push a lot of resources, a lot of time, and will continue to be committed hope can cover more area within the time given which is by June this year. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” he said.
The Boeing Co 777 that vanished from radar on March 8, 2014 en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur has become modern aviation’s biggest mystery. There has been no trace of the 239 people on board. Their families are urging authorities to keep the search alive, while investigators say the hunt will end unless fresh clues are found.
Last week, investigators began examining an object found on the coast of Mozambique that they suspect could be from the missing plane, Bloomberg reported quoting a person familiar with the probe.
Liow said Putrajaya is currently waiting for the French authorities to issue a statement on whether or not Malaysia would be allowed to bring back the second debris or inspect the item there.
“As for the second object, we are waiting for (a) judge in France to decide… because it was found in Reunion (Island), we have to follow their law. Whether we can collect the debris. We can know latest by today. By today we will know,” he said.
