KUALA LUMPUR: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is enhancing its safety and security protocols with a new programme aimed at improving oversight by revamping its documentation.
The initiative includes updating 19 annexes into Civil Aviation Directives (CAD) and publishing all related guidance materials as part of its Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance System, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah announced.
CAAM is also working on its Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to enhance safety measures.
"The Transport Ministry, through CAAM, pledges continuous effort and cooperation to uphold aviation safety and security as a key priority. This includes carrying out effective safety and security oversight and safety management activities, joining forces to share safety information, and fostering a strong and positive safety culture. These actions are essential for maintaining and improving safety standards in the aviation industry," he said in his officiating speech at the Malaysia Aviation Safety Seminar 2024 (MASS 2024).
"The Transport Ministry supports a comprehensive approach to improving safety oversight and aviation security, including capacity building and training, technical assistance, regulatory support, and continuous safety monitoring, as well as security training and awareness, investment in advanced technology and infrastructure, and robust information-sharing mechanisms.
"With regards to aviation safety, I was informed that CAAM has taken progressive action to establish a comprehensive programme to enhance safety and security oversight by revamping relevant documentation. Nineteen annexes have been promulgated into CAD, and all subsidiary CAGM associated with CADs were published as part of the Safety, Security and Quality Assurance System whilst continuously working on CAP," he said in his officiating speech at the Malaysia Aviation Safety Seminar 2024 (MASS 2024).
He added that as an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) member state, Malaysia actively supports the ICAO Global Framework and recognises the need to accelerate progress in sustainable aviation.
This, he said, includes the launch of the Malaysia Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint (MADB), which provides a strategic framework for decarbonising the aviation sector and advancing the green economy.
Highlighting the Asia Pacific Region, Hasbi said it has become the world's largest aviation market and holds the largest share of international revenue passenger kilometres while continuing to grow with corresponding air traffic capacity, efficiency, and safety challenges.
"With the growth of 5.3 per cent annual passenger growth from the year 2023 to 2043, it is anticipated that more than half of the new passenger traffic will be from this region.
"Unmanaged air traffic growth can lead to increased safety risks when it outpaces the regulatory and infrastructure development needed to support it. At the same time, aviation safety planning at the international, regional, and national levels is essential to manage growth in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner.
"Therefore, addressing key safety and security priorities requires multi-stakeholder collaboration. Hence, CAAM must continuously develop the necessary capabilities to enhance safety, security, and capacity, allowing them to address emerging regional and global challenges. This is essential for sustaining the forecasted growth of civil aviation in the country," he said.
Meanwhile, in his opening speech, CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said the area of aviation safety should be a collaborative and continuous effort by all stakeholders.
The seminar, themed "Navigating Safety For Tomorrow: Flight to Sustainability and Resilience", was organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and The Boeing Company.