PUTRAJAYA: Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has been transformed into Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) effective today in line with the government’s commitment to spur the nation’s aviation industry to greater heights.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the statutory body, which will be overseen by the ministry, will regulate the safety and security aspects relating to the civil aviation industry.
Liow said CAAM will play a vital role in maintaining the country’s competitive edge within the global aviation sector.
“As an independent regulatory body, the CAAM’s responsibilities will include safeguarding civil aviation operations in Malaysia; exercise safety regulatory oversight of civil aviation; regulate the operation of aerodrome services and facilities in Malaysia; provide air navigation services within the Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu Flight Information Region; coordinate search and rescue operations; as well as cooperate with any authority in charge with investigation of aircraft accident and serious incident.
“Beyond the regulatory and oversight functions, CAAM will also encourage; promote; facilitate; and assist in the development and improvement of civil aviation capabilities, skills and services in Malaysia by providing technical and consultancy services relating to civil aviation, as well as providing education and training in this industry and promoting research and development of civil aviation sector,” Liow said in a statement.
He said CAAM started its operations effective today, helmed by Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman as the chairman and Ahmad Nizar Zolfakar as the chief executive officer.
They will be joined by Board Members, namely Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Prof Datuk Razali Mahfar, Captain Ahmad Ridzwan Mohd Salleh and Captain Mohamed Azharuddin Osman.
“In addition, the ministry’s deputy secretary general (policy) and the Finance Ministry’s Statutory Body Strategic Management Division undersecretary will also hold posts as permanent members of the body," Liow said
“I am confident that CAAM will make great strides in strengthening our nation’s aviation standards as well as addressing existing challenges, to advance Malaysia in the aviation sector in line with our aspiration to be the leading hub for the industry in the region as well as in the global arena.”