KUALA LUMPUR: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has given its approval for the deployment of 92 drones to conduct surveillance and enforcement nationwide during the Movement Control Order (MCO) Phase 2.
The authorisation was given to the police via the Drone Unit of Police Airwing for the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/drones in efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“This drone operation is led by the police in collaboration with the Armed Forces and three private drone companies (Deftech Unmanned Systems, System Consultancy Services and Aerodyne Group).
“A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to notify all airspace users that a UAS/drone operation is done at a maximum of 500 feet (above ground level). This NOTAM applies nationwide and is valid until April 14,” said CAAM in a statement on Tuesday.
“This CAAM authorised operation will abide by instructions and SOPs laid out by the police. This whole operation will involve over 90 personnel from these five organisations,” it said.
Any UAS/drone intended for operation requires CAAM authorisation, as the devices may pose a hazard to other airspace users and risk public safety due to their extensive coverage.
The application form for authorisation to operate UAS/drones can be downloaded from the CAAM website.
For more information on procedures and requirement, visit http://www.caam.gov.my/sectors-divisions/flight-operations/unmannedaircr...
A penalty will be imposed on those who commit offences by operating a UAS/drone without CAAM’s authorisation.
The penalty includes a minimum RM50,000 fine and/or three years of imprisonment for an individual; or a fine not exceeding RM100,000 for a corporate body, if found liable.
