KUALA LUMPUR: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has begun a review on regulation 147 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 to ensure better oversight over foreign-registered aircraft operating within Malaysia.
CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said improved oversight would ensure that all aviation activities in Malaysia adhere to the highest safety standards.
"CAAM anticipate to publish the new proposed regulations by the end of 2024, reflecting our dedication to continuous improvement of aviation safety practices," he said in a statement today.
Norazman said the review is also in line with the safety recommendations provided by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), following the latter's release of the final report today on the Elmina air crash on Aug 17 last year, which killed all eight people onboard.
"Following the Elmina incident, CAAM has intensified its surveillance measures during ramp inspections, particularly at the Subang Airport, where there is a significant concentration of general aviation activity.
"These measures demonstrate CAAM's ongoing commitment to ensure safety and regulatory compliance in all aviation operations," he said.
"CAAM remains steadfast to uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency in Malaysia's aviation sector and extends its gratitude to stakeholders for their continued
support and cooperation as we implement these important enhancements," he added.
AAIB, in its report today on the Elmina air crash, said the aircraft owner and operator in the disaster had exploited regulatory grey areas and failed to obtain necessary approvals from local authorities.
It said the aircraft, a Beechcraft 390 Premier 1 (N28JV), registered in the United States, was only operating under the least restrictive safety compliance standards.(Link:
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1092507/elmina-air-crash-oper...)
The report also stated that although the aircraft was intended for long-term operation in Malaysia, no evidence was found that the aircraft operator had applied for Malaysian registration of the aircraft as required under the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 for foreign-registered aircraft operating in Malaysia for over six months.
In the incident last year, the six-seater aircraft crashed near Elmina, Shah Alam during its approach into Subang Airport from Langkawi.
The crash killed all eight people onboard along with two road users.