MARCH 12 — After reading newspaper interviews of family members of those on board the missing flight, as well as touching postings on the Internet, like many others, I am worried and sincerely praying for a miracle.
The disappearance of Malaysian Airlines MH370 flight remains a mystery. However, search and rescue (SAR) work is currently the top priority and thus, resources should be focused on the SAR.
Secondly, more staff members, counsellors and medical personnel should be arranged to assist families of those on board while more financial and material assistance should also be provided to help them get through this difficult and suffering period, healing their psychological wounds.
The world’s attention is now focusing on Malaysia and the families also hope that the authorities can complete the SAR. At this moment, we should enhance the crisis management mechanism, be brave to bear the responsibility, show the country’s ability and continue the search until the flight is found.
The Subang Air Traffic Control Centre lost contact with the aircraft at about 1.22am on March 8 but MAS reported it missing only at 7am. The slow response was severely criticised. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provides that once a flight losses contact for more than 30 seconds, the airlines must immediately make a report as late notification would hinder prompt SAR and miss the SAR golden hours.
The Malaysian authorities held a press conference only at 4pm, saying that Malaysia had contacted maritime related departments of China, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia to assist in searching for the missing flight. However, the Chinese government had already started an emergency mechanism in the morning.
It showed that there are still many shortcomings in our crisis management mechanism. Did MAS, Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) or related units fail to comply with the operating procedures, or lack a sense of crisis?
The incident involves 239 lives, and the authorities have been handling it too slowly.
The families have been in great anxiety and thus, the DCA and MAS should clearly inform them the actions they take to pacify them. Only honesty and transparency can help in avoiding the spread of rumours.
Unfortunately, before the reason behind the disappearance of the flight is clear, it was found that two passengers have actually boarded the flight with stolen passports. Although we are unable to conclude that the flight’s disappearance is related to the two passengers, or terrorism, it has still exposed the security loopholes in KLIA.
According to Interpol, the two Australian and Italian passports were lost in Thailand in 2012 and 2013 respectively and were later added to the Interpol database of stolen and lost passports. Did the Immigration Department connect to the database or use the database information to strengthen security?
Only after security flaws were exposed, the government started investigation while the Immigration Department enhanced its security at airport checkpoints. It has always been the authorities’ way of handling. However, omissions might recur after the flight disappearance incident is settled.
We can no longer deny and evade serious forgery problem in the country. It is believed that many foreigners have entered Malaysia or overstayed with false documents. The unblocked loopholes could be a threat to national security.
In short, the disappearance of MH370 is a lesson. It tells us to keep vigilant and to minimise, or even make it zero accident. There must also be a response and management mechanism in the event of an accident.
The flight missing incident is a serious blow to the country, MAS and tourism, particularly Malaysia is having its Tourism Year and celebrating the 40th anniversary of formal ties with China this year. The government must minimise the damage.
In this era with close global contacts, busy flights and political instability, the related units must be well prepared to face unexpected incidents. It will hit the country’s image if we fail to properly handle it.
Search the aircraft first, and correct the errors. We have no way to shirk the responsibility. — Sin Chew Daily
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
