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, to develop the field and ensure safety.
“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 use airspace at low altitudes, such as aerial vehicles such as drones and aircraft for delivery, air taxis, drone light shows, and emergency response.
Loke said CAAM will avoid over-regulating the sector to ensure progress.
“If we regulate too much, it will be difficult for any industry player to enter the market,” he said.
Meanwhile, the minister said CAAM will review 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 added that 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 chosen.
Today, CAAM unveiled its new logo and corporate identity in line with its role as the sole regulator of the country’s aviation industry, after its merger with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) on August 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.
