Families of passengers and crew members aboard Malaysian airlines flight MH370 have been asked to provide DNA samples even though the plane is still missing.
The next of kin were informed about the move at a press briefing in Kelana Jaya, Malaysia this week, at the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Academy. A MAS spokeswoman said that the briefing was provided by the Royal Malaysian Police Forensics team, reported News.com.au.
Those who attended the briefing said that the DNA samples were needed for "safe keeping" in case the flight was found.
The flight carrying 239 passengers and crew is expected to have gone down into the Indian Ocean after drifting off-course, nine months ago.
An intensive underwater operation has searched more than 8000 square kilometres but has not found any trace of the Boeing 777 aircraft.
