S’wakians pine for safety of passengers, crew of MH370
KUCHING: The search for the missing Malaysia Airlines ( MAS) flight MH370 has been going on for almost a week now.
Generally, if not all, Malaysians are still hoping for survivors and the safe return of those on board.
Sarawakians, for one, are not giving up hope and are praying for the recovery of the aircraft.
In a random interview yesterday, Simon Wong said miracles do happen and he was hoping for one this time around and the best.
“In this difficult time, let us not condemn or criticise the authorities on their handling of the search and rescue efforts.
“Just give our full support to their contributions and efforts in recovering the aircraft. I am sure they are doing their best,” he said.
Wong, chairman of the Sarawak Entrepreneurs Association (SEA) and a frequent traveller, said this incident would not affect his confidence in using MAS but hoped that the airline would enforce tighter security and safety checks.
“We can’t blame MAS because we are all victims. No one wants this to happen. As Malaysians, we just have to show our support and stop all the criticisms.”
He said at first, he did worry that the plane might be hijacked by terrorists like what happened to the planes that struck World Trade Centre ( WTC).
Former Padungan assemblyman Dominique Ng said the disappearance of the plane is most baffling.
“I had thought it was a terrorist attack in the beginning because there were too much of coincidence such as the two passengers using
We can’t blame MAS because we are all victims. No one wants this to happen. As Malaysians, we just have to show our support and stop all the criticisms. Simon Wong, Sarawak Entrepreneurs Association chairman
stolen passport were also on board the missing flight.
“And yes it made me a bit concerned about safety. Since then with the latest news that the two may have innocent reasons, I am still adamant,” he said.
Like most others, he too prayed for the best for the aircraft and all those on board.
A private sector employee, Johanna Jenny James, said all that could be done now is to continue to pray and hope, and stop spreading false rumours that could hurt the feelings of families of those on board.
“Everyone is sharing the grief of those families affected. Let us respect the feelings and privacy of those families. This is a time for us to unite and pray that everything goes well,” she said.
Sheila Medam, a Sarawakian who works in an investment company in Kuala Lumpur, said she appreciated the help of various countries in assisting Malaysia in the search and rescue efforts.
She said when she first heard of the news that the plane went missing last Saturday, she was shocked and worried for everyone in the plane, and felt sympathy for their families and friends.
“I want to say ‘ Thank You’ to all the countries which come forward to help us in finding the aircraft.
“It is a very touching moment to see how various countries and governments can come together in times of emergency.
“I hope we can find the plane as soon as possible. My trust for Malaysia Airlines will not fade as this incident could happen to any plane,” she said, adding since the incident a part of her became afraid of using air to travel.
An insurance agent, Alfred Ng, also wished for the quick recovery of the missing plane to give closure to the anxiety of families and friends of those on board.
He said not knowing what had actually happened was the most painful experience for all the families.
While he believed that the authorities are doing their best to recover the aircraft, he also hoped the relevant authorities would be stricter and improve security and safety checks on passengers and aircrafts in future.
The massive search for the plane has drawn in navies, military aircrafts, coastguard and civilian vessels from 10 nations since it vanished from radar screens about an hour after take- off over the sea separating Malaysia from the southern tip of Vietnam.