Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be closing all of its Family Assistance Centres for relatives of missing Flight MH370’s passengers across the world by May 7, as the airline switches to services and support.
MAS Group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said this was in line with the airline’s commitment to continue its support to the families of Flight MH370’s passengers.
“From past experience, we understand the continuing search and investigation will be a prolonged process.
“Instead of staying in hotels, the families of MH370 passengers are advised to receive information updates on the progress of the search and investigation and other support by MAS, within the comfort of their home, with the support and care of their families and friends,” he said in a statement.
The MH370 Family Assistance Centres were set up by MAS as the focal point for all activities planned for the family of passengers and crew of the missing jetliner, including daily briefings, religious activities and prayer services.
fz.com reports that Ahmad Jauhari assured MAS would remain in close contact with the families and update them through phone calls, messages, the internet and face-to-face meetings.
He said family support centres would be established in Kuala Lumpur and Beijing and the detailed plan of follow-up support and services would be relayed in person to the affected families.
He added MAS would make advanced compensation payments at the soonest possible date to the nominated next-of-kin entitled to claim compensation, in order to meet their immediate economic needs.
He said the payment would not affect the rights of next-of-kin to claim compensation, would be in accordance to the law, and would be calculated as part of the final compensation payout.
“Immediately after the next-of-kin have returned home, our representatives will be in touch with them at the earliest opportunity to initiate the advanced compensation payment process.”
