CRI听力:Malaysian PM Shed New Light on Missing Plane

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak says the movements of the plane are consistent with "the deliberate action of someone on the plane" according to satellite and radar evidence.

The announcement confirms days of mounting speculation that the disappearance of the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was not accidental.

"We can say with a high degree of certainty that the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System was disabled just before the aircraft reached the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Shortly afterwards, near the border, between Malaysia and Vietnamese air traffic control the aircraft's transponder was switched off. From this point onwards the Royal Malaysian Air Force's primary radar data showed that an aircraft, which was believed, but not confirmed, to be MH370 did indeed turn back. It then flew in a westerly direction back over Peninsular Malaysia before turning north west."

Flight MH370 departed from Kuala Lumpur for Beijing at 00:40 local time on March 8, and the latest available satellite data shows that the last confirmed signal from the plane to a satellite took place at 08:11 local time.

The flight last made contact with air traffic control over the South China Sea to the east of Malaysia, about one hour after take-off.

Based on the new evidence, Razak says authorities are now trying to trace the plane across two possible corridors, a north one which runs from Thailand to the border of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and a south one which runs from Indonesia to the Indian Ocean.

The Prime Minister says the week-long search of the South China Sea has been discontinued following the latest development.
 
The fruitless search operation has involved scores of ships and aircraft mounted by a dozen countries, including China, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Razak did not confirm reports that the plane was hijacked, but stated that the Malaysian authorities are refocusing their investigation into the crew and passengers on board the plane.

"Despite media reports that the plane was hijacked, I wish to be very clear: we are still investigating all possibilities as to what caused MH370 to deviate from its original path."

Meanwhile, passengers departing from Kuala Lumpur International airport continue to leave messages on large white boards for the people onboard the missing jet.

And many still carry hope that the fate of the plane may be established.

"The chance is slim now; it has been a week and we haven't heard any information about the plane. I hope the authorities will be able to find something after they expand the search area."

"Well, all depends on your luck. We have to depend on the faith, that's all. But we have confidence in Malaysian Airlines."

In Beijing, the families of the 154-Chinese passengers on board the missing airliner have been voicing their grief and anger.

Some are talking about taking legal action; others about the pain of not knowing.

It is being reported that Malaysia Airlines has agreed to provide the equivalent of 5,000 US dollars towards the current daily expenses of each affected family and keep them informed with regular updates. Chinese officials have urged Malaysian authorities to release timely and accurate information regarding the missing plane.

For CRI, I'm Yin Xiuqi.