Star Online Report
MH370 was not seen over the Maldives, said acting Transport Minister Hishamuddin Hussein.
Acting Transport Minister Hishamuddin Hussein. Photo: The Star
Speaking at a press conference at the
Sama-Sama hotel here, Hishamuddin said the confirmation was made by
top-level armed forces personnel in both countries.
"Regarding reports that the plane was
sighted in the Maldives, I can confirm that the Malaysian Chief of the
Defence Force has contacted his counterpart in the Maldives, who has
confirmed that these reports are not true," said Hishamuddin on
Wednesday.
It had been reported by the Maldivian daily
Haveeru that residents of Kuda Huvadhoo in Dhaal Atoll in the Maldives
reportedly saw a "low-flying jumbo jet" flying over houses early in the
morning of March 8, the same day Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 went
missing.
Eyewitnesses who reportedly saw the aircraft
agreed that it was travelling in a north to southeast heading towards
Addu, the southern tip of the Maldives, and all commented on the very
loud noise the aircraft made when flying over the island.
MH370 had left Kuala Lumpur International
Airport for Beijing with 239 passengers and crew. The Boeing 777
disappeared from Malaysian radars at 2.15am on March 8.
