by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 15: Sarawak and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) are exploring ways to deepen collaboration on key aviation initiatives, with discussions centred on airline operations, airport development, aviation safety and the emerging low altitude economy, particularly in areas affecting the State.
The matters were discussed during a working visit by Minister for Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin to CAAM’s headquarters in Putrajaya on Dec 12, marking the first official engagement following the completion of the CAAM-Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) merger on Aug 1 this year.
In a press statement, Lee emphasised that, following the merger, the Sarawak Government looks forward to CAAM’s continued high level of cooperation in supporting the development and governance of Sarawak’s aviation sector.
The discussions, held with CAAM chairman Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi and chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud, along with members of CAAM’s senior management, also covered regulatory matters related to the establishment of AirBorneo, including certification requirements, operational readiness and the safe commencement of its operations, encompassing both Rural Air Services (RAS) and upcoming jet operations scheduled to begin in 2026.
In addition, progress updates and regulatory coordination on the proposed New Kuching International Airport were also deliberated during the visit.
Both parties also discussed on the upcoming Sarawak Aviation Safety Programme and the Low Altitude Economy (LAE) Seminar which will be held in Miri in the first quarter of next year and to be organised by Ministry of Transport Sarawak, and in collaboration with CAAM and Curtin University Malaysia.
These initiatives aim to strengthen regulatory compliance, promote shared responsibility and enhance safety awareness among aviation stakeholders and the public in Sarawak, while supporting the safe and responsible growth of Low Altitude Economy (LAE) activities and unlocking their broader economic potential for Sarawak.
Mohamed Sharil also reaffirmed the Authority’s unwavering support for the Sarawak Government’s aviation initiatives under the Ministry of Transport Sarawak.
Lee was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Anak Susil, Aviation Technical Advisor for the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Sio Yew Hua, Head of Aviation MOTS Zulkarnain Rosli, and other senior officers. – DayakDaily
