The search operation has entered a new phase and the search area has been significantly expanded, now involving 25 countries, Malaysian Acting Transportation Miniser Hishammuddin Hussein said Sunday at a press conference.

Hishammuddin Hussein said the search now focused both on shallow sea and "large tracts of land, crossing 11 countries, as well as deep and remote oceans."

The number of countrires involved in the search has increased to 25 from 14, the minister said.

As to information of the two pilots who were suspected by U.S. intelligence analysts of being responsible for the disappearance of MH 370, the minister said the two pilots had not asked to fly together, giving no more details.

Hishammuddin Hussein also said Acars communication system had been disabled before last radio contact between plane and air traffic.

(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2014)