The Search For MH370 After 5 Years

Mar 11, 2019 | Malaysia, NEWS

Culture & Entertainment Desk

 

by Arvin Donguines
Father of one and a passionate writer who has been in the business for almost a decade.  Arvin is an experienced news reporter who has covered a plethora of topics ranging from mundane to extraordinary breaking news.  He previously wrote for Business Times China. Every word he types reflect his passion to create stories that are engaging and thought-provoking.  He hopes to put some positive energy into this crazy world we live in.

The on-and-off search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 may once again be resumed, Malaysia’s transport minister announced earlier this March. The Malaysian government is open to new proposals from U.S Technology firm Ocean Infinity or other companies to resume the hunt for Flight 370.

The Unconfirmed Crash Site

According to reports, an independent aviation researcher has just recently claimed that he had found the debris somewhere in a jungle in Cambodia via satellite images. Daniel Boyer, the person in question, even went on to commission an expedition team and sent them to his proposed coordinates to verify his theories.

The unit, led by Zorba Parer, has yet to arrive on the location but the initial findings already indicate it to be a plane crash site. Whether or not it belongs to the Malaysian flight, Boyer and his team have yet to see it for themselves.

Boyer and company weren’t the first to propose the Cambodian plane crash site. In September 2018, Ian Wilson, a tech expert based off on UK said he might have spotted the area with the help of Google Maps.

Using tool-specific scale measuring techniques, Wilson deduced the object seen on the map to be the remains of the ill-fated plane.

Authorities couldn’t necessarily rule out the Google Maps sighting to be connected with MH370. Looking at the flight trajectory data of the plane, it’s plausible that this could really be its endpoint.

A Renewed Enthusiasm

Five years ago, the Boeing 777 jet disappeared out of thin air on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing along with its 239 passengers and crew on board. Malaysia, with the help of China and Australia launched what was considered to be one of the most expensive wreckage searches in the history of aviation.

In 2017, after what appears to be a fruitless effort to locate the downed aircraft, the three governing bodies decided to call off the underwater search which was previously carried out around the southern parts of the Indian Ocean.

Following this, a US-based exploration firm Ocean Infinity sought the Malaysian government’s backing to conduct their own search operation. This too ended in May 2018.

But just this Sunday, March 3, the office of Malaysia’s transport ministry, through its spokesperson, Anthony Loke, announced that the government is still making good on to its offer to reward any firms that could locate the remains of MH370.

The deal works under a “no cure, no fee” agreement. This means Malaysia will pay only after the plane was found.

The government, as Loke stated, would still be more than willing to look into these proposals and restart the search operation.

As such, it has been reported that Ocean Infinity will once again try its luck on the search. The company’s CEO, Oliver Punkett, said that they would start reviewing the data gathered from their first mission. It is also likely that they would be using their newly-developed technology which they first used to successfully locate a downed Argentinian vessel November last year.

The Mystery Behind Its Disappearance

Initial investigation stipulated the cause of the plane’s disappearance as something of an inside job. As proposed, someone from the plane had manually diverted the aircraft’s course.

Authorities couldn’t put blame on the two pilots to hijack the plane, neither to the passengers who were also cleared upon their boarding.

Nevertheless, it is important for investigators to get hold of the plane’s black boxes to confirm any of these assertions.

 

BTS Walks Louis Vuitton FW21 Show in Korea

It seems BTS did not only take k-pop by storm but also fashion. The K-pop group walked Louis Vuitton’s FW21 runway as their global ambassadors. The pop icons graced the show in a fashion film directed by Jeon Go-woon.

Crypto Funds ‘Disappear’ From French Asset Manager Books

French police are investigating claims that tens of millions of euros worth of crypto assets vanished from the books of an association representing hundreds of investors, a judicial source said.

Li Ziqi: Chinese Youtuber Skyrockets from Farm to Fame

The moment you wake up, Li Ziqi is already on her way to tend to her plants. As you’re stuck in traffic, she is enjoying the fresh breeze on her farm. Get to know the Chinese wonder girl that captured the world with her idyllic depiction of farm life.

The Vietnamese Designer Convincing the Young to Choose Tradition

Made from delicate silk, intricately embroidered and with vast, flared sleeves: Vietnamese 19th-century outfits do not seem a perfect fit for life in the country’s hectic modern cities.

Cyberpunk 2077 Returning to PlayStation Store

Troubled game Cyberpunk 2077 will return to PlayStation stores from next week, Sony confirmed Wednesday, six months after it was pulled over bugs and compatibility issues.

Osaka’s Third Grand Slam, Anti-Racism Stand, Hailed in Japan

Naomi Osaka’s victory in the US Open was hailed Sunday by media and officials in Japan, who broadly welcomed her campaigning for victims of racial injustice and against police brutality.

Hong Kong in Record Meth Bust as Pandemic Forces Gangs to Evolve

Hong Kong authorities announced a record seizure of over half a ton of methamphetamine on Monday, saying the coronavirus pandemic had led smugglers to riskier bulk shipments in place of traditional drug mules.

NYC Chinatown Showcases Anti-Asian Racism Exhibit

An exhibit entitled “Responses: Asian American Voices Resisting the Tides of Racism” was unveiled by a New York City museum. The exhibit was curated through submissions that were received during the pandemic, during the surge of anti-Asian hate.

Revamp Your Fall Style with the Latest from Revolve

From supermodel Kendall Jenner to megastar influencer Chiara Ferragni, Revolve is taking over social media by storm. Learn why it is well loved by A-listers, and check out Revolve wardrobe essentials to improve your style.

South Korea Dials Up Virus Testing with Hospital ‘Phone Booths’

A South Korean hospital has introduced phone booth-style coronavirus testing facilities that allow medical staff to examine patients from behind the safety of a plastic panel, the latest innovation in the country’s drive to track down infections.

The Real Catwalk: Pet Couture Inspired by Ancient Chinese Clothing

Liu Liu is a fashion designer’s dream model and muse — happy to spend hour upon hour being measured and dressed, and posing in tailored couture outfits and artistic designs. Liu Liu is also a cat.

China’s Environmental Data: The World’s Biggest Polluter in Numbers

US envoy John Kerry will visit China this week for climate change talks — the first official trip under the Biden administration — in a trip Washington hopes will put aside diplomatic spats and focus on joint environment challenges.

Hong Kong to Give Cash Gift to 7 Million Citizens as Economy Hit by Outbreak

Hong Kong’s government on Wednesday said it will give a HK$10,000 ($1,280) handout to seven million permanent residents in a bid to jump-start a recession-hit economy now compounded by the coronavirus outbreak.

Today’s Must-Have: The Tiniest Wearable Air Cleaner in the World

Ible technology has developed a compact air cleaner you can wear to work, school, and public transportation. This helpful device is designed to improve everyone’s living quality and protect them from airborne bacteria, allergens, and viruses.

Christianity in China: Hostility in Every Corner

China’s treatment of Christians have rendered it the ‘new hotbed of persecution’

Hong Kong Florist Helps Prisoners Send Christmas Gifts

Samantha burst into tears when she opened the box from florist Elise Ip on Christmas Day. It was a surprise gift from her boyfriend, in custody for joining last year’s Hong Kong protests.

South Korea in Hot Water Due to Its Peeping Tom Problem

South Korean establishments plagued by spy cameras

China Says Bus Blast That Killed 12 in Pakistan Was ‘Bombing’

Beijing said nine Chinese workers were among 12 people killed Wednesday by a bomb attack on a bus in northwestern Pakistan and called for severe punishment, but Islamabad blamed the explosion on a “gas leak”.

China: Miscarriages Linked to Air Pollution Study

Exposure to airborne pollutants increases the risk of “missed” miscarriages in which a fetus dies without a pregnant woman experiencing any noticeable symptoms, researchers said Monday.

Burberry to Launch High-End Luxury Face Masks with Signature Pattern

The exact date of the release of this high-end luxury face mask is not announced yet.

NBA Star, Wrestling Champ to Carry Japan Flag at Tokyo Olympics

NBA star Rui Hachimura will carry Japan’s flag at the Tokyo Games, Japanese Olympic chiefs said Monday — although fans might not be allowed into the stadium to watch the opening ceremony.

Two Smuggled Indonesian Orangutans Fly Home from Thailand

Eating fruit and drinking from plastic bottles, two Sumatran orangutans stared from their cages at Bangkok airport on Thursday before flying home to Indonesia, years after being smuggled into Thailand.

50-Year Search: Son Demands Return of Father After N. Korean Hijack

Half a century ago a North Korean agent hijacked the flight carrying Hwang In-cheol’s father. Pyongyang never returned him, and the search has defined his son’s life.

What Would Happen to North Korea if Kim Jong Un Died

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has not been seen in public for more than two weeks, missing commemorations for a key political anniversary, and reports he underwent a cardiovascular procedure have spiralled into speculation he could be incapacitated or even dead.

Tokyo Paralympics by the Numbers

From TV viewers to venues, here are some key figures related to the Tokyo Paralympics, which kick off on Tuesday after a year’s pandemic delay:

Is Thailand Truly an LGBT Paradise?

Thailand is Known globally for its LGBT-friendly parties and the most welcoming culture for tourists, what’s really going in Thailand’s LGBT community?

Jimmy Lai among Five Hong Kong Democracy Activists Jailed

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was jailed for 14 months on Friday along with four other veteran democracy activists for their roles in protests that helped trigger a sweeping crackdown on dissent by China — sentences that prompted consternation from the US, Britain and the EU.

Top Culinary Schools in Asia

If you want to bring your Asian cooking skills to the next level, here are some of the best culinary schools in Asia

Taiwan Train Crash Survivors Recount Horror and Loss

Survivors of Taiwan’s worst rail crash in decades have recounted their desperate efforts to find loved ones in the twisted wreckage of the train at what should have been the start of a holiday weekend.

Netflix’s New Action-Packed Anime Tells Story of the First Black Samurai

In feudal Japan, an African man now known as Yasuke cemented his fate as the first Black samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. Now, his mysterious history is brought to light by Netflix in a new anime series.

Indian Capital Opens First ‘Smog Tower’

India’s capital New Delhi opened its first “smog tower” on Monday aimed at reducing the air pollution blamed for thousands of premature deaths every year, but experts were sceptical.

The Story behind Thailand’s ‘Hunger Games’ Protest Salute

The three-fingered salute from “The Hunger Games” movies flashed by Thai protesters at the royal motorcade this week has become the primary symbol of resistance in the kingdom in recent years.

After Bollywood Star’s Suicide, a TV ‘Witch Hunt’

India has more than four million coronavirus cases and an explosive border stand-off with China, but the story dominating television news for months is how a Bollywood actress supposedly drove her ex-boyfriend to suicide with pot and black magic.

Key Arrest over Attempted Assassination of Maldives Ex-President

Police arrested a key suspect in the attempted assassination of Maldives ex-president Mohamed Nasheed, officials said Thursday as the well-known climate change campaigner recovered in a German hospital.

‘Listen to the Party’: Chinese Cities Deck Out in Slogans for Anniversary

China is ramping up a propaganda blitz ahead of the 100th birthday of the ruling Communist Party, with banners and billboards around the country reminding citizens to live a “civilized” life and obey authorities.

The Ultimate Guide to Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands

The guide to one of Malaysia’s most beautiful destinations, Cameron Highlands

Absolute Perfection: South Korea’s Obsession with Plastic Surgery

With an average of 20 cosmetic procedures/1000 Koreans, has South Korea’s ultra-competitiveness and lookism reached fever pitch?

China Wheelchair Users Dodge Traffic on Rough Road to Recognition

Cars, scooters and bicycles wait impatiently at traffic lights ready to zip across one of Shanghai’s main roads. In the thick of them sits an old man in an electric wheelchair.

Delta Variant Drives Virus Spread to Three China Provinces

China Thursday reported small coronavirus outbreaks driven by the Delta variant in three provinces as a cluster linked to an eastern airport spreads despite mass testing and a vaccination drive.

Asia: Cute and Trendy Capsule Hotels are here To Stay

Surprising comfortable and high tech, capsule hotels are setting the trend for global travelers looking for a different kind of hotel experience in Asia.

Mythical Monster Goes Viral as Japan Prays for End of Pandemic

Move over Pokemon and Hello Kitty, in coronavirus-hit Japan, a new character has captured hearts and hopes: Amabie, a beak-nosed, long-locked mythical mermaid monster said to repel plagues.

The Shop YOHJI YAMAMOTO Will Now Carry Main Line & Brands

One of the leading Japanese designers Yohji Yamamoto is finally launching The Shop Yohji Yamamoto, his web store that will carry all his brand labels. The Tokyo and Paris-based designer is best known for his unique tailoring featuring traditional Japanese aesthetics.

‘I Feel Nothing’: Virus-Stricken Wuhan Buries Its Dead

As China’s coronavirus epicenter Wuhan awakens from its long nightmare, formerly locked-down citizens are beginning to reemerge, but for many, their first outdoor act in more than two months is grim: burying loved ones.

‘Demon Slayer’ Sets US Record for Best Foreign Language Film Opening Weekend

The Japanese animated film “Demon Slayer” this weekend had the best opening ever recorded in North America for a foreign language film, a new milestone after already setting a box office record in Japan.

Takashi Murakami: A Visionary for the Senses

Take a look into the life of one of the world’s most adored Japanese artists

Top things to do in Shanghai for a 3 day Stopover

Shanghai: Everything You Need to Know When Traveling China’s Largest City

Singapore Jails Woman for Lying to Coronavirus Contact Tracers

A Singaporean woman was sentenced to five months in prison on Friday for hiding her meetings with a male friend from coronavirus contact tracers as she did not want her family to think she was having an affair.

China: Universal Studios Park will Use Facial Recognition

The Universal Studios amusement park under construction in Beijing will admit visitors without a ticket thanks to cameras that will scan their faces to determine if they’ve paid for entry.

China Bubble Tea Firm Debuts after $650M IPO Caps Labor of Love

Chinese bubble tea chain Nayuki’s shares tumbled on their Hong Kong debut Wednesday after the firm’s IPO raised more than $650 million and made billionaires of its co-owners, who founded the company on a blind date.

Indonesia Arrests US Fraud Fugitive on Local Sex Charges

An American fugitive wanted at home in connection with a $700 million cryptocurrency scam has been arrested in Jakarta on sex charges, Indonesian authorities said Tuesday.

What These Asian Celebrity Chefs are up to at the ‘Moment’

Restaurants and travel remain the hardest-hit industry by the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Despite these challenging times, some of the most recognizable Asian chefs in the industry are keeping up the pace and moving forward. Let’s see what they are up to.