Abbott disappointed MH370 search suspended

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is disappointed the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been called off.

Transport ministers from Australia, Malaysia and China confirmed on Tuesday the underwater search in the southern Indian Ocean has been suspended until there is any new credible evidence.

"Disappointed that the search for MH370 has been called off. Especially if some experts think there are better places to look," Mr Abbott, who was in power at the time the flight went missing, wrote on Twitter.

Transport Minister Darren Chester said Mr Abbott was entitled to his opinion, but he has relied on the experts to guide him on the search.

"I don't think this is an issue you can cover in 140 characters on Twitter," the minister told ABC radio.