KUANTAN: Felda settler Selamat Omar and his family have been praying for the last eight years for the safe return of his son.
Since March 8, 2014, Mohd Khairul Amri along with 238 others onboard Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared, leaving a wake of unanswered questions that have tormented families and described as the world's greatest aviation mystery.
The 68-year-old said despite the passing years, nothing had changed as his family remained eager each time there was news about the missing plane on television, in newspapers or shared on social media.
"Just like the first time we were alerted about the news of the missing plane in 2014, we still avidly follow all updates. Each time someone shares some information about MH370, we assume we are getting closer to finding some answers … but after a while, it seems we have to start all over again.
"Over the past eight years, several debris allegedly from the missing plane were found in various locations but there was no other strong proof. We have been experiencing a lot of 'false hope' … even if the plane's wreckage is discovered, it will at least provide some answers to the family," he told the New Straits Times when met.
Khairul Amri, who would have turned 37 this year, was among 239 people on board the still missing Boeing 777 which took off from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 8, 2014, heading to Beijing, China.
Sometime later, the plane went off the radar and could not be found despite multinational joint-search efforts.
Meanwhile, Selamat, who lives in Felda Bukit Mendi in Bera, said several WhatsApp groups were created by the next-of-kin of the missing passengers in 2014 to exchange information but many were no longer active.
"There are one or two groups which will be usually active when the anniversary date approaches. However, since there has been no solid clues or information, there has been little conversation among the members, unlike the earlier days.
"I remember one of the family members telling me they prayed hard and hoped for three years but later chose to move on with life. A lot has changed and some of their children or grandchildren have grown … even Khairul Amri's son is almost 10-years-old now," he said.
Selamat said the family becomes upset each time news about the missing plane is aired as they remain clueless of what happened to it.
"The government has done their best and now needs solid evidence to resume search operations. I hope the discovery of credible proof will lead to the missing plane and its disappearance will not remain a mystery forever.
"Families of the missing passengers might not be hoping for any miracle but we are all seeking answers and waiting for closure. I last attended the annual remembrance event in Putrajaya in 2018 and missed the one held in 2020 due to a medical appointment," he said.
Meanwhile, Selamat said while he and the others hope the government will be able to provide some annual updates on MH370, he understands that since there are no new clues there is nothing much they can do.
On March 6, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong reiterated that the Malaysian government has never abandoned its aspirations to locate MH370 and needs credible and actionable evidence to act on.