The US&nbsp;ambassador to&nbsp;Malaysia&nbsp;has told Kuala Lumpur that assets seized by the United States as part of its probe into the 1MDB fund will be monetised and returned to&nbsp;Malaysia, the Southeast Asian nation's finance minister said.

Minister Lim Guan Eng made the comment on Twitter following a meeting with Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, the US&nbsp;ambassador to&nbsp;Malaysia.

"She reassured me that assets seized from 1MDB will be monetised and returned to&nbsp;Malaysia&nbsp;as early as possible," Lim said.

The US&nbsp;Department of Justice has filed civil lawsuits to seize assets it says were bought with funds misappropriated from&nbsp;Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia&nbsp;Development Berhad (1MDB).

Minister Lim Guan Eng made the comment on Twitter following a meeting with Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, the US ambassador to Malaysia

The US ambassador to Malaysia has told Kuala Lumpur that assets seized by the United States as part of its probe into the 1MDB fund will be monetised and returned to Malaysia, the Southeast Asian nation's finance minister said. Minister Lim Guan Eng made the comment on Twitter following a meeting with Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, the US ambassador to Malaysia. "She reassured me that assets seized from 1MDB will be monetised and returned to Malaysia as early as possible," Lim said. The US Department of Justice has filed civil lawsuits to seize assets it says were bought with funds misappropriated from Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Malaysia says US to monetise and return assets seized from 1MDB probe

Asian equities bounced back&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;from the previous day's mauling while the euro held on to a recovery as fears of turmoil in Italy were soothed by conciliatory noises from the country's two biggest populist parties.

The head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement said he was prepared to offer a compromise candidate for the finance ministry after President Sergio Mattarella's decision to veto an avowed eurosceptic led to the collapse of the fledgling coalition government.

Later, the rightwing League's leader was said to be willing to discuss the issue.&nbsp;

Wednesday's&nbsp;news provided relief to global markets that were sent spinning by the crisis in Italy -- the eurozone's third biggest economy -- which many feared could lead to fresh elections that could essentially become a referendum on euro membership.

US and European markets rallied while the euro, which was wallowing around 10-month lows against the dollar, surged, helped by a surprise surge in German inflation.

"What a difference a day makes," said Greg McKenna, chief markets strategist at AxiTrader. "My hypothesis that the players... got the shock of their lives from the market's reaction to their posturing and the turmoil that ensued has proved correct."

"Italy may not be headed for a summer election. And that means the EU may not face a referendum on its future. Phew, storm in a teacup, nothing to see here, move along, please. At least that's the take markets appear to go with last night."

The gains continued in Asia, with Tokyo ending the morning session 0.4 percent higher, while Sydney added 0.5 percent, Singapore climbed 0.7 percent and Seoul put on 0.5 percent.&nbsp;

Hong Kong added 0.5 percent and Shanghai gained 0.8 percent, supported by data indicating a bigger-than-expected rise in Chinese factory activity in April.

Wellington, Taipei, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta were also comfortably higher.

Oil prices were down slightly but holding up after they also rallied&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;in response to a report that said OPEC would likely lift output gradually, soothing concerns about a new supply glut.

Crude markets have been hammered since OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia and Russia last week indicated they could lift a cap on production, which has supported prices for two years, as an oversupply crisis eases.

Investors are now looking forward to the release&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;of key US jobs figures, which could provide some idea about the Federal Reserve's plans for raising interest rates.

Payrolls firm ADP estimated US private sector job growth at 178,000 in May, down from 204,000 in April and slightly below analysts' expectations.

However, while sentiment is positive, analysts warned that ongoing geopolitical issues and the unresolved China-US trade row continue to dog trading floors.

"We are going to be filled with tremendous uncertainty over the course of the summer," David Ader, chief macro strategist at Informa Financial Intelligence, told Bloomberg Television.

"If you look at things like the various economic surprise indices out there they have been slowing down, but on the other hand, you still have a Fed hike coming in June. I see a lot of uncertainty, which results in a lot of volatility."

US and European markets rallied while the euro, which was wallowing around 10-month lows against the dollar, surged, helped by a surprise surge in German inflation

Asian equities bounced back Thursday from the previous day's mauling while the euro held on to a recovery as fears of turmoil in Italy were soothed by conciliatory noises from the country's two biggest populist parties. The head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement said he was prepared to offer a compromise candidate for the finance ministry after President Sergio Mattarella's decision to veto an avowed eurosceptic led to the collapse of the fledgling coalition government. Later, the rightwing League's leader was said to be willing to discuss the issue. Wednesday's news provided relief to global markets that were sent spinning by the crisis in Italy -- the eurozone's third biggest economy -- which many feared could lead to fresh elections that could essentially become a referendum on euro membership. US and European markets rallied while the euro, which was wallowing around 10-month lows against the dollar, surged, helped by a surprise surge in German inflation. "What a difference a day makes," said Greg McKenna, chief markets strategist at AxiTrader. "My hypothesis that the players... got the shock of their lives from the market's reaction to their posturing and the turmoil that ensued has proved correct." "Italy may not be headed for a summer election. And that means the EU may not face a referendum on its future. Phew, storm in a teacup, nothing to see here, move along, please. At least that's the take markets appear to go with last night." The gains continued in Asia, with Tokyo ending the morning session 0.4 percent higher, while Sydney added 0.5 percent, Singapore climbed 0.7 percent and Seoul put on 0.5 percent. Hong Kong added 0.5 percent and Shanghai gained 0.8 percent, supported by data indicating a bigger-than-expected rise in Chinese factory activity in April. Wellington, Taipei, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta were also comfortably higher. Oil prices were down slightly but holding up after they also rallied Wednesday in response to a report that said OPEC would likely lift output gradually, soothing concerns about a new supply glut. Crude markets have been hammered since OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia and Russia last week indicated they could lift a cap on production, which has supported prices for two years, as an oversupply crisis eases. Investors are now looking forward to the release Friday of key US jobs figures, which could provide some idea about the Federal Reserve's plans for raising interest rates. Payrolls firm ADP estimated US private sector job growth at 178,000 in May, down from 204,000 in April and slightly below analysts' expectations. However, while sentiment is positive, analysts warned that ongoing geopolitical issues and the unresolved China-US trade row continue to dog trading floors. "We are going to be filled with tremendous uncertainty over the course of the summer," David Ader, chief macro strategist at Informa Financial Intelligence, told Bloomberg Television. "If you look at things like the various economic surprise indices out there they have been slowing down, but on the other hand, you still have a Fed hike coming in June. I see a lot of uncertainty, which results in a lot of volatility."

Asian markets recover with Euro as Italy fears ease

Malaysia's new transport minister said the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 by a private US&nbspfirm will end on Tuesday next week and there will be no more extensions.

Houston-based Ocean Infinity has been searching for the aircraft that disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, with 239 people on board, in one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries.

"This morning I raised this in cabinet and agreed to extend to May 29," Anthony Loke told reporters. Asked if that meant no more extensions, he said: "Yes."

Houston-based Ocean Infinity has been searching for the aircraft that disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, with 239 people on board, in one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries.

Malaysia's new transport minister said the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 by a private US&nbspfirm will end on Tuesday next week and there will be no more extensions. Houston-based Ocean Infinity has been searching for the aircraft that disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, with 239 people on board, in one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries. "This morning I raised this in cabinet and agreed to extend to May 29," Anthony Loke told reporters. Asked if that meant no more extensions, he said: "Yes."

Malaysia says private search for MH370 to end next week

Police conducted an extensive search of the home of Malaysia's scandal-tainted former PM on Thursday&nbsp;that his lawyer decried as "harassment", as the new government presses forward with probes into a massive graft scandal after seizing power in historic elections.

Police arriving in a dozen vehicles converged on the home of corruption-tainted Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur beginning late&nbsp;Wednesday, drawing crowds of journalists and onlookers.

A lawyer for Najib said officers were searching the home and a separate apartment in a "money-laundering" probe.

The search at Najib's home continued into&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;afternoon.

The new government headed by 92-year-old former premier Mahathir Mohamad, who secured a stunning election victory last week, has vowed to probe allegations that Najib oversaw the looting of a sovereign wealth fund.

But Najib's lawyer Harpal Singh Grewal said his client, 64, viewed the search as "harassment".

"The police just took some handbags and some clothes," Harpal said.&nbsp;

His mention of handbags prompted snickering on Malaysian social media.

Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor is ridiculed over her reported penchant for jet-set overseas shopping trips and a vast collection of designer handbags, clothing and jewellery, all symbolic -- critics say -- of the ousted government's lack of concern for economically struggling citizens.

Harpal said the house contained only personal belongings, though he added that police also were attempting to open a safe, the key for which had been "lost".

"This is harassment. Whatever... is in the house is not commensurate with the allegations," Harpal told AFP.

"(Najib) has told them: 'Tell me what you want. We will give.'"

Harpal said the search left Najib "very tired and visibly upset".

There was no indication that any arrests were planned.

Police officials confirmed the search to AFP but declined to give details.

The police action adds to a sense of rising legal peril for Najib, who was barred from leaving the country just days after the election over allegations that he, his family, and cronies looted billions from state investment fund 1MDB.

Last week's poll ended the six-decade reign of the authoritarian Barisan Nasional coalition. Mahathir had led the coalition from 1981-2003.

The search began just hours after the pardon and release from prison of Anwar Ibrahim, a top figure in the now-victorious political alliance.

Anwar, 70, had spent the last three years in jail under Najib.

Speaking to Australian media after his release, Anwar called also for a fresh look into another shocking scandal linked to Najib.

A young Mongolian woman, Altantuya Shaariibuu, was murdered and her body destroyed with explosives in Malaysia in 2006.&nbsp;

She had been the lover of a former close Najib associate who was accused of arranging kickbacks for the purchase of French submarines in 2002 at a time when Najib was defence minister.

A former Malaysian police officer Sirul Azhar Umar, who is now in Australian custody, has claimed that he was ordered by "important people" to carry out the killing who scapegoated him.&nbsp;

Anwar said Sirul, who later fled to Australia after being sentenced to hang over the murder, should be allowed to face a new trial back in Malaysia to get at the truth, The Australian newspaper said.

Najib has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing over the deal amid allegations that French submarine maker DCNS paid kickbacks of more than 114 million euros (US$142 million) for two Scorpene submarines.

Just before the police raid, Najib went to a nearby mosque for special prayers for the Islamic holy month Ramadan, which began&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;in Malaysia.&nbsp;

Najib later tweeted a traditional prayer that calls for people to be forgiven of their sins.

As police searched Najib's home, spectator Mimie Lai, 45, said she had travelled to the scene to "see what happens to the ex-prime minister and all the scandals... involving him and his wife".

"I feel that finally, justice is coming, somebody heard... what the people are praying for," she said.

Anwar's release&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;captivated the nation, with ecstatic supporters and journalists mobbing him amid shouts of "Reformasi" (Reform) -- his rallying cry and Anwar declaring a "new dawn for Malaysia".

Anwar's old foe Mahathir is now an ally and has signalled his intention to eventually step aside so Anwar, his deputy prime minister in the 1990s, can take over.

Police arriving in a dozen vehicles converged on the home of corruption-tainted Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur beginning late Wednesday, drawing crowds of journalists and onlookers

Police conducted an extensive search of the home of Malaysia's scandal-tainted former PM on Thursday that his lawyer decried as "harassment", as the new government presses forward with probes into a massive graft scandal after seizing power in historic elections. Police arriving in a dozen vehicles converged on the home of corruption-tainted Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur beginning late Wednesday, drawing crowds of journalists and onlookers. A lawyer for Najib said officers were searching the home and a separate apartment in a "money-laundering" probe. The search at Najib's home continued into Thursday afternoon. The new government headed by 92-year-old former premier Mahathir Mohamad, who secured a stunning election victory last week, has vowed to probe allegations that Najib oversaw the looting of a sovereign wealth fund. But Najib's lawyer Harpal Singh Grewal said his client, 64, viewed the search as "harassment". "The police just took some handbags and some clothes," Harpal said. His mention of handbags prompted snickering on Malaysian social media. Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor is ridiculed over her reported penchant for jet-set overseas shopping trips and a vast collection of designer handbags, clothing and jewellery, all symbolic -- critics say -- of the ousted government's lack of concern for economically struggling citizens. Harpal said the house contained only personal belongings, though he added that police also were attempting to open a safe, the key for which had been "lost". "This is harassment. Whatever... is in the house is not commensurate with the allegations," Harpal told AFP. "(Najib) has told them: 'Tell me what you want. We will give.'" Harpal said the search left Najib "very tired and visibly upset". There was no indication that any arrests were planned. Police officials confirmed the search to AFP but declined to give details. The police action adds to a sense of rising legal peril for Najib, who was barred from leaving the country just days after the election over allegations that he, his family, and cronies looted billions from state investment fund 1MDB. Last week's poll ended the six-decade reign of the authoritarian Barisan Nasional coalition. Mahathir had led the coalition from 1981-2003. The search began just hours after the pardon and release from prison of Anwar Ibrahim, a top figure in the now-victorious political alliance. Anwar, 70, had spent the last three years in jail under Najib. Speaking to Australian media after his release, Anwar called also for a fresh look into another shocking scandal linked to Najib. A young Mongolian woman, Altantuya Shaariibuu, was murdered and her body destroyed with explosives in Malaysia in 2006. She had been the lover of a former close Najib associate who was accused of arranging kickbacks for the purchase of French submarines in 2002 at a time when Najib was defence minister. A former Malaysian police officer Sirul Azhar Umar, who is now in Australian custody, has claimed that he was ordered by "important people" to carry out the killing who scapegoated him. Anwar said Sirul, who later fled to Australia after being sentenced to hang over the murder, should be allowed to face a new trial back in Malaysia to get at the truth, The Australian newspaper said. Najib has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing over the deal amid allegations that French submarine maker DCNS paid kickbacks of more than 114 million euros (US$142 million) for two Scorpene submarines. Just before the police raid, Najib went to a nearby mosque for special prayers for the Islamic holy month Ramadan, which began Thursday in Malaysia. Najib later tweeted a traditional prayer that calls for people to be forgiven of their sins. As police searched Najib's home, spectator Mimie Lai, 45, said she had travelled to the scene to "see what happens to the ex-prime minister and all the scandals... involving him and his wife". "I feel that finally, justice is coming, somebody heard... what the people are praying for," she said. Anwar's release Wednesday captivated the nation, with ecstatic supporters and journalists mobbing him amid shouts of "Reformasi" (Reform) -- his rallying cry and Anwar declaring a "new dawn for Malaysia". Anwar's old foe Mahathir is now an ally and has signalled his intention to eventually step aside so Anwar, his deputy prime minister in the 1990s, can take over.

Police search scandal-tainted ex-Malaysia PM's home

The Kathmandu airport had to shut down its operations for more than 12 hours after a Malindo, Malaysian airline's flight skidded into mud from the runway on late Thursday.

Malindo Air also confirmed in its official statement that aircraft bound for Kuala Lumpur had overrun the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport. &nbsp&nbsp

The jet was moved on Friday and was carrying 139 passengers. No injury has been caused to any passenger or any crew member from the incident.

However, following the incident, hundreds of flights were cancelled and all incoming flights were diverted.

The statement further informs that assistance has been provided to affected people including meals and accommodation as well as an arrangement to the next available flight.

The airline further apologised for the incident.

Malindo air also said that it has initiated the appropriate investigation and has also taken measures to rectify the situation.

According to reports while the jet was speeding down at the runway pilots detected a problem and aborted takeoff which resulted into jet skidding into the grass and coming to a halt in the mud about 100 feet from the runway.

Aircraft accident are quite common in the Himalayan nation as the country has world's most tricky runways due to the surrounding of snow-capped peaks.

Nepal-based airlines are also banned from flying over the European Union airspace. 
&nbsp

Malindo Air also confirmed in its official statement that aircraft bound for Kuala Lumpur had overrun the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport

The Kathmandu airport had to shut down its operations for more than 12 hours after a Malindo, Malaysian airline's flight skidded into mud from the runway on late Thursday. Malindo Air also confirmed in its official statement that aircraft bound for Kuala Lumpur had overrun the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport. The jet was moved on Friday and was carrying 139 passengers. No injury has been caused to any passenger or any crew member from the incident. However, following the incident, hundreds of flights were cancelled and all incoming flights were diverted. The statement further informs that assistance has been provided to affected people including meals and accommodation as well as an arrangement to the next available flight. The airline further apologised for the incident. Malindo air also said that it has initiated the appropriate investigation and has also taken measures to rectify the situation. According to reports while the jet was speeding down at the runway pilots detected a problem and aborted takeoff which resulted into jet skidding into the grass and coming to a halt in the mud about 100 feet from the runway. Aircraft accident are quite common in the Himalayan nation as the country has world's most tricky runways due to the surrounding of snow-capped peaks. Nepal-based airlines are also banned from flying over the European Union airspace.

Kathmandu: Malaysian airline skids into mud halting operations for more than 12 hours

A controversial new badminton rule that may have put many of its taller players at a disadvantage has been panned by some of the sport&#39;s greats, local media reported.

The rule -- which says a shuttlecock shall be held less than 1.15 metres (3.8 feet) from a court&#39;s surface before serving -- will be tried out at the All England Open in Birmingham, which runs March 14-18.

World number two Lee Chong Wei criticised the new serve rule, which took effect on March 1.

&quot;The Badminton World Federation (BWF) should have opted for small tournaments to test it,&quot; Lee was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times on Friday.

Lee, who will be playing in the All England Open, said he would have to make adjustments to his game.&nbsp;

&quot;If I make a mistake with my serve during the All England (tournament), I will ask the umpire (about) the proper way to execute it,&quot; the Malaysian star said.&nbsp;

Lee is 1.72 metres tall, shorter than several other top-ten players.

In January, world number one Viktor Axelsen -- 1.94 metres tall -- was quoted by Malaysian daily The Star as calling the new rule &quot;ridiculous&quot;.

In an April 2017 YouTube video, Axelson was seen mocking the rule by squatting and kneeling while serving at a training session.&nbsp;

A November 2017 post on the BWF website quoted its president Poul-Erik Hoyer as saying it was &quot;looking for new ways to improve how the service laws are applied&quot;.&nbsp;

BWF officials could not be reached for comment.

World amount two Lee Chong dynasties commented the new serve rule, which acted phenomenon on March 1

A controversial new badminton rule that may have put many of its taller players at a disadvantage has been panned by some of the sport's greats, local media reported. The rule -- which says a shuttlecock shall be held less than 1.15 metres (3.8 feet) from a court's surface before serving -- will be tried out at the All England Open in Birmingham, which runs March 14-18. World number two Lee Chong Wei criticised the new serve rule, which took effect on March 1. "The Badminton World Federation (BWF) should have opted for small tournaments to test it," Lee was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times on Friday. Lee, who will be playing in the All England Open, said he would have to make adjustments to his game. "If I make a mistake with my serve during the All England (tournament), I will ask the umpire (about) the proper way to execute it," the Malaysian star said. Lee is 1.72 metres tall, shorter than several other top-ten players. In January, world number one Viktor Axelsen -- 1.94 metres tall -- was quoted by Malaysian daily The Star as calling the new rule "ridiculous". In an April 2017 YouTube video, Axelson was seen mocking the rule by squatting and kneeling while serving at a training session. A November 2017 post on the BWF website quoted its president Poul-Erik Hoyer as saying it was "looking for new ways to improve how the service laws are applied". BWF officials could not be reached for comment.

New badminton serve rule a tall order, say champs

A Bangladeshi passenger who reportedly stripped naked and attacked a stewardess during a flight from Malaysia has been arrested, the airline said today.

Shortly after the Malindo Air flight departed from Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, the 20-year-old took his clothes off and started watching pornography on his laptop, local media reported.

The man, a student at a Malaysian university, initially put his clothes back on at the request of cabin crew, the New Straits Times newspaper reported.

But he then tried to hug female crew members, and when his advances were rejected he became aggressive and attacked a stewardess, the paper said.

The cabin crew and passengers reportedly managed to subdue him and his hands were tied up with a piece of cloth for the rest of the flight.

There was no indication as to why he was acting strangely.

The airline, a Malaysian subsidiary of an Indonesian company, declined to confirm all the details but said in a statement that a &quot;disruptive passenger&quot; was tied up on the flight to Dhaka, and was arrested on arrival.

Shortly after the Malindo Air flight departed from Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, the 20-year-old took his clothes off and started watching pornography on his laptop

A Bangladeshi passenger who reportedly stripped naked and attacked a stewardess during a flight from Malaysia has been arrested, the airline said today. Shortly after the Malindo Air flight departed from Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, the 20-year-old took his clothes off and started watching pornography on his laptop, local media reported. The man, a student at a Malaysian university, initially put his clothes back on at the request of cabin crew, the New Straits Times newspaper reported. But he then tried to hug female crew members, and when his advances were rejected he became aggressive and attacked a stewardess, the paper said. The cabin crew and passengers reportedly managed to subdue him and his hands were tied up with a piece of cloth for the rest of the flight. There was no indication as to why he was acting strangely. The airline, a Malaysian subsidiary of an Indonesian company, declined to confirm all the details but said in a statement that a "disruptive passenger" was tied up on the flight to Dhaka, and was arrested on arrival.

Not cleared for takeoff: passenger tied up after stripping naked

The new efforts to find the missing Malaysia Airline flight MH370, which went missing four years ago, is expected to be completed by June this year, according to a Malaysian official.

After previous efforts to search for the plane failed completely, the Malaysian government in January inked an agreement with the United States&#39;&nbsp;based exploration firm - &#39;Ocean Infinity&#39;, to resume search on a &#39;no cure, no fee&#39;&nbsp;basis within a 90-day timeframe.

At a gathering to mark the fourth anniversary of the missing MH370 in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, the director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, told the families that the 90-day window would not include the days when the Seabed Constructor, the vessel operated by Ocean Infinity, leaves the search area to refuel and resupply in the nearby port roughly every 26 days, Xinhua reported.

&quot;I expect the search to finish in early June or mid-June,&quot; Rahman stated.

He added that the search, spread across 120,000 square km, had entered the second search area of around 10,000 square km. The first 5,000 square km search did not find any trace of the missing place.

&quot;The search will move further north if the plane is not found in the 25,000 square km recommended by the Australian investigators&quot;, Rahman said.

According to the Malaysian government, a total area of 8,200 square km has been covered till February 25, with &quot;no significant contacts identified to date&quot; in the latest weekly search update.

Meanwhile, the recovery plan is being finalised with Malaysian and Australian agencies if the MH370 plane is found. Rahman added that the primary target for recovery is to find the two black boxes of the plane.

MH370 disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, carrying 239 people on board. The aircraft has not been recovered and the cause for the disappearance remains unknown.

Malaysian government in January inked an agreement with the United States' based exploration firm - 'Ocean Infinity', to resume search on a 'no cure, no fee' basis within a 90-day timeframe

The new efforts to find the missing Malaysia Airline flight MH370, which went missing four years ago, is expected to be completed by June this year, according to a Malaysian official. After previous efforts to search for the plane failed completely, the Malaysian government in January inked an agreement with the United States' based exploration firm - 'Ocean Infinity', to resume search on a 'no cure, no fee' basis within a 90-day timeframe. At a gathering to mark the fourth anniversary of the missing MH370 in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, the director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, told the families that the 90-day window would not include the days when the Seabed Constructor, the vessel operated by Ocean Infinity, leaves the search area to refuel and resupply in the nearby port roughly every 26 days, Xinhua reported. "I expect the search to finish in early June or mid-June," Rahman stated. He added that the search, spread across 120,000 square km, had entered the second search area of around 10,000 square km. The first 5,000 square km search did not find any trace of the missing place. "The search will move further north if the plane is not found in the 25,000 square km recommended by the Australian investigators", Rahman said. According to the Malaysian government, a total area of 8,200 square km has been covered till February 25, with "no significant contacts identified to date" in the latest weekly search update. Meanwhile, the recovery plan is being finalised with Malaysian and Australian agencies if the MH370 plane is found. Rahman added that the primary target for recovery is to find the two black boxes of the plane. MH370 disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, carrying 239 people on board. The aircraft has not been recovered and the cause for the disappearance remains unknown.

MH370 hunt likely to end in June

Indian railways have announced foreign tour for its employees and no this is not the usual tour of senior officials but it will be only for the &quot;non-gazetted&quot;&nbsp;workforce.&nbsp;

In the first-of-its-kind &lsquo;Employees Overseas Camp&rsquo; is going to be a weeklong tour of Singapore and Malaysia from January 28th to February 3rd, at hugely subsidized cost with funds from the Staff Benefit Fund (SBF), allocated by Railway Board for various welfare activities of the non-gazetted employees.&nbsp;

The tour was flagged off on Tuesday from Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad to Shamshabad Airport, Hyderabad in the presence of representatives of Trade Unions and Association.

The 100-strong group of employees comprises of group C&amp;D category employees, with preference given to employees from lower cadres and those nearing retirement.

Allocation of the number of slots for each division, workshop and&nbsp;headquarters was given on the&nbsp;basis of their sanctioned strength.

This subsidized tour entails 25% of expenditure to be borne by the employees and 75% by staff benefit fund.

The itinerary for the tour covers Universal Studios, Sentosa, night safari, etc. in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur City Tour, Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, Genting Highlands&nbsp;in Malaysia.

Stay at hotels of repute with good quality of food, transport arrangements.

Indian Railway's announced foreign tour and no this is not the usual tour of senior officials but it will be only for the non-gazetted workforce

Indian railways have announced foreign tour for its employees and no this is not the usual tour of senior officials but it will be only for the "non-gazetted" workforce. In the first-of-its-kind ‘Employees Overseas Camp’ is going to be a weeklong tour of Singapore and Malaysia from January 28th to February 3rd, at hugely subsidized cost with funds from the Staff Benefit Fund (SBF), allocated by Railway Board for various welfare activities of the non-gazetted employees. The tour was flagged off on Tuesday from Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad to Shamshabad Airport, Hyderabad in the presence of representatives of Trade Unions and Association. The 100-strong group of employees comprises of group C&D category employees, with preference given to employees from lower cadres and those nearing retirement. Allocation of the number of slots for each division, workshop and headquarters was given on the basis of their sanctioned strength. This subsidized tour entails 25% of expenditure to be borne by the employees and 75% by staff benefit fund. The itinerary for the tour covers Universal Studios, Sentosa, night safari, etc. in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur City Tour, Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, Genting Highlands in Malaysia. Stay at hotels of repute with good quality of food, transport arrangements.

Indian railways sends junior workers to Singapore, Malaysia

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj helped an Indian woman in bringing back the mortal remains of her son, with whom she was travelling from Australia to India after he died suddenly at the Kuala Lumpur international airport.

The minister&#39;s response yesterday came after a netizen sought her help in the matter through a tweet.

&quot;@SushmaSwaraj @MEAIndia - urgent and kind request - one of my close friends &amp; his mom travelled from Australia to India. In Kuala Lumpur International Airport, my friend collapsed suddenly and passed away. My friend&#39;s mom is alone in KLIA and don&#39;t know much to get help,&quot; he had tweeted.

Following his tweet, Swaraj assured help from the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and said the body would be flown to India at the government&#39;s expense.

Later, she tweeted, &quot;Indian High Commission official is escorting the mother and mortal remains of the deceased son from Malaysia to Chennai. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family&quot;.

Swaraj assured help from the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and said the body would be flown to India at the government's expense

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj helped an Indian woman in bringing back the mortal remains of her son, with whom she was travelling from Australia to India after he died suddenly at the Kuala Lumpur international airport. The minister's response yesterday came after a netizen sought her help in the matter through a tweet. "@SushmaSwaraj @MEAIndia - urgent and kind request - one of my close friends & his mom travelled from Australia to India. In Kuala Lumpur International Airport, my friend collapsed suddenly and passed away. My friend's mom is alone in KLIA and don't know much to get help," he had tweeted. Following his tweet, Swaraj assured help from the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and said the body would be flown to India at the government's expense. Later, she tweeted, "Indian High Commission official is escorting the mother and mortal remains of the deceased son from Malaysia to Chennai. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family".

Swaraj comes to aid of Indian woman stranded with son's body

Nine Malaysians freed by Pyongyang arrived home early Friday, after Kuala Lumpur agreed to send back the body of the assassinated half-brother of North Korea&#39;s leader, ending a bitter feud between the two countries.

Kim Jong-Nam was killed with the lethal nerve agent VX on February 13 in a Kuala Lumpur airport, triggering a diplomatic row between Malaysia and North Korea, which expelled each other&#39;s ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

But a deal announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and confirmed by North Korean state media on Thursday said the two countries had lifted their respective travel bans, and Kuala Lumpur would send the body to North Korea.

The Malaysians, three embassy staff and six family members, landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport before sunrise where they were met on the tarmac by Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman.

On Thursday, following the deal, Najib declared on Twitter: the &quot;diplomatic crisis is over&quot;.

&quot;Following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body,&quot; Najib said in a statement.

The prime minister did not specify who in the family had made the request. Kim&#39;s wife and children, who were living in exile in the Chinese territory of Macau, staged a vanishing act after the murder and are believed to be in hiding.

South Korea has blamed Pyongyang for the Cold War-style killing, citing what they say was a standing order from North Korea&#39;s leader Kim Jong-Un to murder his exiled and estranged half-brother.

But the North denies this and denounced Malaysia&#39;s investigation into the death as an attempt to smear the secretive regime.

It had insisted that the man died of a heart attack and his body should be handed over to Pyongyang.

A van believed to be carrying the body of Kim left a hospital morgue in Kuala Lumpur Thursday, where it had been kept for more than six weeks, and headed for the airport&#39;s cargo centre.

Chinese and Malaysian media reported it was put on board a Malaysian Airlines plane bound for Beijing that left Kuala Lumpur at 7:39 pm.

An AFP photographer saw a North Korean embassy van and officials leaving Beijing airport early Friday morning, and South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Kim&#39;s body was expected to leave for Pyongyang on an Air Koryo flight as early as on Saturday.Analysts said the North Korean regime may use Kim&#39;s body as a &quot;propaganda tool&quot;.

&quot;They will likely use the body to claim they were not responsible and tell an alternative narrative,&quot; said Bridget Welsh, an expert on Southeast Asian politics.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has refused to confirm the identity of the victim, who was carrying a North Korean passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was killed.

Malaysia however has officially confirmed his identity using DNA evidence and had said it had been waiting for his next of kin to claim the body. 
There are fears Kim&#39;s 21-year-old son, Kim Han-Sol, could be targeted next.

Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian -- have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the 45-year-old victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Malaysian investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder. Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for the four men.

Japanese media on board the MH360 plane to Beijing said two of the three other suspects were on board the plane that carried the remains of Kim. It was still unclear what happened to the third suspect.

(AFP)

The Malaysians, three embassy staff and six family members, landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport before sunrise

Nine Malaysians freed by Pyongyang arrived home early Friday, after Kuala Lumpur agreed to send back the body of the assassinated half-brother of North Korea's leader, ending a bitter feud between the two countries. Kim Jong-Nam was killed with the lethal nerve agent VX on February 13 in a Kuala Lumpur airport, triggering a diplomatic row between Malaysia and North Korea, which expelled each other's ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving. But a deal announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and confirmed by North Korean state media on Thursday said the two countries had lifted their respective travel bans, and Kuala Lumpur would send the body to North Korea. The Malaysians, three embassy staff and six family members, landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport before sunrise where they were met on the tarmac by Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman. On Thursday, following the deal, Najib declared on Twitter: the "diplomatic crisis is over". "Following the completion of the autopsy on the deceased and receipt of a letter from his family requesting the remains be returned to North Korea, the coroner has approved the release of the body," Najib said in a statement. The prime minister did not specify who in the family had made the request. Kim's wife and children, who were living in exile in the Chinese territory of Macau, staged a vanishing act after the murder and are believed to be in hiding. South Korea has blamed Pyongyang for the Cold War-style killing, citing what they say was a standing order from North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un to murder his exiled and estranged half-brother. But the North denies this and denounced Malaysia's investigation into the death as an attempt to smear the secretive regime. It had insisted that the man died of a heart attack and his body should be handed over to Pyongyang. A van believed to be carrying the body of Kim left a hospital morgue in Kuala Lumpur Thursday, where it had been kept for more than six weeks, and headed for the airport's cargo centre. Chinese and Malaysian media reported it was put on board a Malaysian Airlines plane bound for Beijing that left Kuala Lumpur at 7:39 pm. An AFP photographer saw a North Korean embassy van and officials leaving Beijing airport early Friday morning, and South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Kim's body was expected to leave for Pyongyang on an Air Koryo flight as early as on Saturday.Analysts said the North Korean regime may use Kim's body as a "propaganda tool". "They will likely use the body to claim they were not responsible and tell an alternative narrative," said Bridget Welsh, an expert on Southeast Asian politics. Pyongyang has refused to confirm the identity of the victim, who was carrying a North Korean passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was killed. Malaysia however has officially confirmed his identity using DNA evidence and had said it had been waiting for his next of kin to claim the body. There are fears Kim's 21-year-old son, Kim Han-Sol, could be targeted next. Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian -- have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the 45-year-old victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth. Malaysian investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder. Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for the four men. Japanese media on board the MH360 plane to Beijing said two of the three other suspects were on board the plane that carried the remains of Kim. It was still unclear what happened to the third suspect. (AFP)

Freed Malaysians arrive home from North Korea after Kim row

The deep-sea search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 ended on Tuesday without any trace being found of the plane that vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board, the three countries involved in the search said.

The location of Flight MH370 has become one of the world&#39;s greatest aviation mysteries since the plane disappeared en route to Beijing from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. &quot;Despite every effort using the best science available ... the search has not been able to locate the aircraft,&quot; Malaysian, Australian and Chinese authorities said in a statement.

The last search vessel left the area on Tuesday, the three countries said, after scouring 75,000 square mile&nbsp;area of the Indian Ocean sea floor. Malaysia, Australia and China had agreed in July to suspend the search if the plane was not found or new evidence uncovered once that area had been checked.

Australia in December 2016 dismissed an investigators&#39; recommendation to shift the search further north, saying that no new evidence had emerged to support it. A next-of-kin support group called Voice 370 said in a statement investigators could not leave the matter unsolved.

&quot;In our view, extending the search to the new area defined by the experts is an inescapable duty owed to the flying public in the interest of aviation safety,&quot; Voice 370 said. Most of the passengers were from China. The only confirmed traces of the plane have been three pieces of debris found washed up in Mauritius, the French island Reunion and an island off the coast of Tanzania.

As many as 30 other pieces of wreckage were found there and also at beaches in Mozambique, Tanzania and South Africa are suspected to have come from the plane.

(Reuters)

The Malaysia Airlines plane vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board

The deep-sea search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 ended on Tuesday without any trace being found of the plane that vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board, the three countries involved in the search said. The location of Flight MH370 has become one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries since the plane disappeared en route to Beijing from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. "Despite every effort using the best science available ... the search has not been able to locate the aircraft," Malaysian, Australian and Chinese authorities said in a statement. The last search vessel left the area on Tuesday, the three countries said, after scouring 75,000 square mile area of the Indian Ocean sea floor. Malaysia, Australia and China had agreed in July to suspend the search if the plane was not found or new evidence uncovered once that area had been checked. Australia in December 2016 dismissed an investigators' recommendation to shift the search further north, saying that no new evidence had emerged to support it. A next-of-kin support group called Voice 370 said in a statement investigators could not leave the matter unsolved. "In our view, extending the search to the new area defined by the experts is an inescapable duty owed to the flying public in the interest of aviation safety," Voice 370 said. Most of the passengers were from China. The only confirmed traces of the plane have been three pieces of debris found washed up in Mauritius, the French island Reunion and an island off the coast of Tanzania. As many as 30 other pieces of wreckage were found there and also at beaches in Mozambique, Tanzania and South Africa are suspected to have come from the plane. (Reuters)

Three years on & with no plane found, search for MH 370 ends

Malaysia said it will host a two-day meeting with Australia and China beginning Monday to discuss next steps in the fruitless search for missing flight MH370. 
 
Malaysian state-run Bernama news agency late yesterday quoted a transport ministry official saying the meeting will focus on &quot;the future direction of the search operation for MH370&quot;. 
 
The three countries have said previously they will call off the Australian-lead hunt for the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 if nothing is found in a designated search area in the remote Indian Ocean. 
 
So far 105,000 square kilometres (40,500 square miles) of the 120,000-square-kilometre seafloor search zone has been covered without success. 
 
Recent bad weather has delayed the expected completion of the search to August, Australian authorities said earlier this month. 
 
The jet disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board in March 2014 and is presumed to have crashed into the sea far off Western Australia&#39;s coast. 
 
Several pieces of debris have been found thousands of kilometres from the suspected crash area but they have so far shed no light on what caused the disaster.&nbsp; 
(AFP)

The three countries are trying to work out the future direction of the 'fruitless search'

Malaysia said it will host a two-day meeting with Australia and China beginning Monday to discuss next steps in the fruitless search for missing flight MH370. Malaysian state-run Bernama news agency late yesterday quoted a transport ministry official saying the meeting will focus on "the future direction of the search operation for MH370". The three countries have said previously they will call off the Australian-lead hunt for the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 if nothing is found in a designated search area in the remote Indian Ocean. So far 105,000 square kilometres (40,500 square miles) of the 120,000-square-kilometre seafloor search zone has been covered without success. Recent bad weather has delayed the expected completion of the search to August, Australian authorities said earlier this month. The jet disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board in March 2014 and is presumed to have crashed into the sea far off Western Australia's coast. Several pieces of debris have been found thousands of kilometres from the suspected crash area but they have so far shed no light on what caused the disaster. (AFP)

Missing MH370 flight: Malaysia, Australia, China to meet on next step

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