SHAH ALAM: Several next-of-kin of those on the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) MH370 flight were surprised when approached by the New Straits Times today regarding news of a wreckage discovery that could be linked to the missing plane.
Eric Chen Zhi Yang, 16, was fast asleep when news that a part resembling a plane's flaperon was found on the coast of La Reunion island.
The boy, whose parents went missing on the flight, expressed surprise and was very eager for more information on the find.
"I have not checked my phone since yesterday because I was sick with flu and cough and slept very early," he said when contacted.
Chen was however wary of putting his hopes up as he still felt he did not have enough information.
A. Amirtham, 61, mother of S.Pushpanathan, 34, a passenger on the missing flight, was in disbelief when reporters informed her of the news and insisted on switching on the television to check.
Upon seeing a news report on the discovery, she shrieked and was clearly emotional.
"Don't ask me anything, I do not have answers for your questions," she said.
Intan Maizura Othman, wife of missing MH370 air steward Mohd Hazrin Hasnan, was more measured and calm in her response.
"Honestly, to tell you the truth, I do not feel anything.
"Whether (they say its) MH370 or not, to me the plane did not crash so you can say whatever you want to say, I still believe it didn't crash," she told the New Straits Times over the phone.
She had read news of the discovery through Facebook and several friends who work in the media industry had sent her updates.
MAS, she said in a resigned tone, had not even called or sent her any text messages about the situation.
Grieving mother of Muzi Yusop, Saemah Sidek, 71, was ready to accept the results if the flaperon was indeed part of MH370.
"Our family leaves everything to the Malaysian authorities' investigation," she said when met at her home in Kampung Jenjarom, here,
Although such confirmation would be painful and difficult to bear, she said their solace would be having the certainty of knowing what happened to Muzi.
Afiq Abdul Hamid, the brother of MH370 co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid and wife of MH370 flight steward Tan Size Hiang, Elaine Chew Oai Poh both did not want to speculate about the news at this point.
They preferred to wait for the outcome of the investigation before commenting on the find.