DHAKA: There is a ‘high degree of certainty’ that the data reporting system of Malaysia Airlines MH370 was disabled just before it reached the east coast of peninular Malaysia.

Malaysia prime minister Najib Razak said on Saturday, reports The Straits Times.

But he reiterated that the authorities are still investigating the possibility of a hijacking and what caused the plane to deviate.

He said the movements of the aircraft were consistent with deliberate action by someone on the plane.

He added that they are now refocusing their investigation on the crew of the aircraft.

He also said the search in the South China Sea has ended, adding that ‘the search has entered a new phase’.

‘We hope this new information brings us one step closer to finding the plane,’ Najib said.

Najib told the press conference that Malaysia has put national security second to the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

BDST: 1256 HRS, MAR 15, 2014