PUTRAJAYA, Sept 17 — The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will establish a regulatory framework for the low-altitude economic sector, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said a regulatory framework was needed to develop the new sector and also ensure safety aspects.
“The low-altitude economy is a new field that we need to pioneer because it is also very relevant to our economic development and aligns with the government’s mission and vision,” he said at a press conference after launching CAAM’s new corporate identity here today.
“This (regulation) must be implemented by CAAM because any new industry without a clear regulatory framework cannot ‘take off’, especially in the field of aviation.”
The low-altitude economy refers to economic activities that utilise airspace at low altitudes.
It encompasses the use of aerial vehicles such as drones and aircraft for various purposes, such as delivery services, air taxis, drone light shows, and rapid response emergency services.
Further elaborating, Loke said CAAM will take an approach not to ‘over-regulate’ the relevant sector to ensure its progress.
“If we over-regulate too much, it will be difficult for any industry player to enter the market,” he said.
Meanwhile, the minister said CAAM will review several processes and regulations to improve efficiency and reduce red tape in the country’s civil aviation sector.
“The regulations and processes that may not be up-to-date, CAAM needs to review and, if necessary, make amendments from time to time,” he said.
Loke also said that the new appointments to the CAAM management team will be done in stages.
He said the government wants to ensure that only the most qualified and competent candidates are selected to fill the required positions, including CAAM’s deputy chief executive officer (Economics).
Today, CAAM unveiled its new logo and corporate identity.
The introduction of the new identity is in line with CAAM’s role as the sole regulator for the country’s aviation industry after its merger with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) on Aug 1.
CAAM, established as a statutory body in 2018 to regulate the technical and safety aspects of the aviation sector, has now also taken over economic, competition and consumer protection regulatory functions. — Bernama
