KUCHING: The Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOT) and the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) have discussed potential challenges and mitigation strategies to ensure a smooth and successful transition post-acquisition of MASwings.
Following their meeting held on July 26, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin stated that he along with his delegation received a detailed briefing from CAAM on the regulatory approval requirements for establishing a Sarawak-owned airline post-MASwings acquisition, including Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), aircraft matters, operational readiness and compliance with the international and Malaysian aviation standards and regulations.
“Other than that, we are also briefed on the regulations and procedures necessary for operating cargo drones in Sarawak rural areas,” he said in a statement today.
With a keen interest in leveraging drone technology to boost Sarawak’s transportation infrastructure, highlighting the government’s commitment to innovation and modernisation in the aviation sector, he disclosed that the CAAM’s experts offered their guidance that would facilitate regulatory matters and safe integration of cargo drones into Sarawak’s airspace.
“Their guidance will pave the way for future advancements in this emerging field,” he said, adding that the meeting also touched on the upcoming Sarawak Aviation Talk Programme 2024, scheduled for next month here.
With CAAM’s unwavering support for the Sarawak government in ensuring aviation safety and facilitating the establishment of its own airline, Lee expressed his gratitude to them and emphasised that the Sarawak government, through the MOT, will always welcome ongoing cooperation and assistance from CAAM on all aviation matters in Sarawak.
Delegation members accompanying Lee during the meeting were Deputy Sarawak Attorney General, Datuk John Wayne Chamberlin Sirau; permanent secretary for MOTS, Datuk Wong Hee Sieng; director of Corporate Services and Investment, Sarawak State Financial Secretary Office, Ahmad Faizal Yaman Ahmad Shafiee; Aviation technical advisor for MOTS, Sio Yew Hua and other senior officers.
