The mystery of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 continues. 26 countries and regions including Australia, France, the United States, and China are now scouring an area that spans some 11 countries and a vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. The Malaysian government has been fighting criticism about its handling of the crisis, especially with the way and the speed at which it's shared information to the public.
These college students have been busy making paper cranes over the past few days. They’re a symbol of hope, they say, and their target, is to hang a thousand of these.
"According to Japanese culture, you have to reach a thousand to make a wish," said Joey Wong.
The photo taken on March 16, 2014 shows good wishes on a banner dedicated to the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 at the international airport of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Xinhua/Wang Shen) |
That wish is for the safety of all the crew and passengers on board Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which has been missing for several days. The mystery surrounding the plane's disappearance has stunned the world, but it has also brought Malaysians together.
"They want the whole plane to come back, regardless of whatever race, religion and nationality. And that, to me, I think really shows that Malaysians really don't bother with those type of divisions," said Marina Mahathir, social activist.
Marina Mahathir is a social activist and the daughter of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. She's led a campaign to put up so-called "Walls of Hope" throughout the country. It's been met with an overwhelming response, people writing messages of support and praying for a miracle.
And here at the airport where Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 originated. There are all these messages from people all over the world – of love, hope, support and encouragement. All this has carried Adib Adli Syam and his family through as they await news on his 29-year old brother, one of the passengers on Flight 370.
"I never stop my hope to wish MH 370 will come back, never stop," said Adib Adli Syam, a missing passenger's brother.
A sentiment echoed by many of the missing passengers' families as well as the whole world.