Kuala Lumpur, March 8 (IANS): Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Sunday the country is committed to locate the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, marking the first anniversary of its disappearance.

Flight MH370 disappeared on March 8 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board, The Malaysian Star reported.

The plane is believed to have ended its journey in southern Indian Ocean.

"Today, we stand united in remembering and honouring the 239 people, including 50 Malaysians, on-board MH370. Our prayers are with them and their loved ones left behind - whose sorrow we share," the prime minister said in a statement.

Najib also thanked those involved in the search process.

"The disappearance of MH370 is without precedent, and so too is the search - by far the most complex and technically challenging in aviation history," he said.

"Malaysia has brought together a huge international team to find the plane, and we will never forget the dedication of those who have helped. To the men and women who continue to work tirelessly to find MH370's final resting place: thank you," he added.

Najib also assured next-of-kin and the public that search missions will continue.

"Together with our international partners, we have followed the little evidence that exists. Malaysia remains committed to the search, and hopeful that MH370 will be found," he said.

On Jan 29, the department of civil aviation declared the disappearance an accident.