KUCHING, June 10: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has denied any allegation that they are testing a controversial DA424M-NG Diamond plane.
The plane which was purported to cost RM35 million was purchased by Sarawak Forestry Department (FDS).
A police report against the alleged purchase was made by Batu Lintang state assemblyman See Chee How yesterday.
See, who is also Sarawak PKR vice-chairman claimed that the fixed-wing aircraft purchased by the SFD to provide air surveillance and to monitor illegal logging activities in the state was “overpriced”.
He also claimed that it is not right for the aircraft to be tested by Mavcom because the ministry or SFD are not doing any economic matters related to the civil aviation industry with the aircraft.
“We would like to categorically state that this is incorrect. MAVCOM has not had any communications with the SFD and is not responsible for the technical testing of aircraft as stated in these news reports,” Mavcom said in a press statement today
The commission said it is only an independent body that regulates economic and commercial matters relating to civil aviation.
“Mavcom’s goal is to promote a commercially viable, consumer-oriented and resilient aviation industry that supports the nation’s economic growth. Technical regulations for general aviation falls under the Civil Aviation,” it said. — DayakDaily
