Malaysia on flight safety - Curt Lewis

Malaysia calls for improved safety in global civil aviation
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reiterated its appeal for countries to enhance standards and strengthen international cooperation to improve safety and security in global civil aviation. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said two key issues - real-time global tracking of commercial aircraft and the risks to civil aviation flying in conflict zones - have become more important particularly with the rise in terrorism and cyber threats. "We need not have to be reminded how important these policies and procedures are following the unprecedented tragedies of MH370 and MH17. 

"We know that what we do here in Montreal now will help ensure that the world does not see a repeat of those catastrophes," he said when addressing the 39th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) General Assembly in Montreal, Canada, on Tuesday. The text of his speech was distributed to the media here today. The assembly is scheduled to run from Sept 27 to Oct 7. Liow said Malaysia had actively participated in the ICAO Taskforce that had led to the mandatory requirement of real-time tracking of passenger aircraft. "We are also heavily engaged in the taskforce to ensure that no other plane suffers the fate of MH17 when flying over a conflict zone. 

These initiatives are not optional, they will save lives," he said. Flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, as it was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 283 passengers and 15 crew on board. The Boeing 777-200 aircraft is believed to have been shot down over the troubled country. Flight MH370 dropped off radar on March 8, 2014, as it flew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board. The Boeing 777 aircraft has yet to be found, even after an exhaustive search in the southern Indian Ocean where it is believed to have gone down after veering off course. On another matter, Liow expressed the hope that Malaysia would be able to garner support for its bid to be on the council of the ICAO. "It is our sincere hope that you recognise our contributions and support Malaysia's continued membership on the council," he said. The ICAO comprises 191 member states. Malaysia has been a member state since 1958 and has served as an ICAO council member for three consecutive terms since it was first elected to the council in 2007. -- Bernama