Abbott on MH370 search: 'We will do our duty'

Australia will take control of the "southern vector" search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said.

The Australian leader told MPs he was responding to Malaysia's request and that his country would "do its duty in this matter".

Malaysian officials believe the plane was intentionally diverted en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, and could have flown on for several hours after communications were lost.