President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says the search and rescue mission for the missing plane carrying the country’s Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima and nine others has not been suspended.

Speaking during a Presidential National Address at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, Chakwera said he is not sparing any available resource to ensure that the Vice President and the people he was travelling with are found.

He urged Malawians to use the updates from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) whom he has instructed to provide regular updates to avoid being misinformed.

He said the MDF has been instructed to continue with the search and rescue mission until the plane is found.

The President has further directed the MDF to provide regular updates on the search and rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Chakwera said he has contacted neighbouring countries and development partners including the US, British, Norwegian and Israeli governments for support including the use of  specialised technologies to enhance the search and rescue mission.

He has also appealed for the nation to join hands in prayer for those who boarded the plane.

Others on the plane were Lukas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Gloria Mtukule, Shanil Dzimbiri, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Colonel Sambalopa, Major Selemani and Major Aidin