Malaysia to issue death certificates in missing plane

Families of the passengers of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 got news on Sunday that many of them would rather not hear.

The Malaysian government is getting ready to issue death certificates for the missing passengers, whose flight disappeared from radar in March.

Many relatives, unhappy about the progress of the search operation to locate the plane, are still clinging to the hope that their loved ones are not gone.

(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Malaysia) 60-YEAR-OLD SALAMAT OMAR, RELATIVE OF MISSING PASSENGER SAYING:

"We couldn't find it in the sea and we couldn't find it on land. It's only logical that they're alive."

The search for Flight 370, the most expensive ever in aviation history, has captivated the world.

The current underwater operation may be complete within a week, officials say.

But in Kuala Lumpur, from where the missing plane took off in March, residents say the search should continue until the plane is finally found.

(SOUNDB