“Soldiers are still on the ground searching,” he said. “I have given strict orders that the operation must continue until the plane is found.”
Mr Chakwera had previously canceled a flight to the Bahamas scheduled for Monday evening.
The reason for the aircraft's disappearance is not yet known, General Valentino Phiri told Chakwera. Malawi's Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu told the BBC that efforts to find the aircraft were “intensive”.
Mr Chilima was on his way to represent the government at the funeral of former cabinet minister Ralph Kasambara, who died three days ago.
“The airport where he will land is in northern Mzuzu and is closest to where the funeral will be held,” Mr Kunkuyu said.
In 2022, Dr. Chilima was arrested and charged with receiving money in exchange for awarding government contracts.
Last month, the court dismissed the charges without giving a reason for the decision.
