<< Abdullah Badawi (centre), a Muslim, sharing the stage with Buddhist monks before the interfaith prayers commenced at KLIA today. - Reuters pic, March 9, 2014.

“What has happened is indeed tragic and I am made aware that the search and rescue team, as well as the authorities, are working very hard to resolve this issue.

“Extensive time and work has been put into this and we are all hoping to hear some good news soon,” The Star Online reported him as saying after attending "hajat" prayers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today.

“Hopefully, all these prayers channel positive energy for the passengers to return safely.

“In the meantime, we ask of everyone to be patient while the authorities find a way to sort this out,” he said.

Following Abdullah's speech, an interfaith prayer session was held for the safe return of the passengers. The session - attended by Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and Muslims groups - was conducted at the KLIA departure hall.

Organized by Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia, both Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni members from Theravada and Mahayana tradition was present to offer prayers, including Ven. Datuk K Sri Dhammaratana, Ven. Datuk Seck Jit Heng, Ven. B Sri Saranankara, Ven. Chang Chao, Ven. Jue Cheng and Ven. Chuan Wen.

MAS flight MH370, carrying 227 passengers, including two infants, and 12 crew, went missing en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing about an hour after taking off from the KL International Airport at 12.41am Saturday.

It should have landed in Beijing, China at 6.30am on the same day.