Malaysia eyes to remain in US' top Category 1 safety rating

bt@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to ensuring that its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 rating remains in the long run. 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is following through all the audit assessments recommended by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

"CAAM is very vigilant in making sure that whatever have been found in the audit previously will be rectified.

"And we'll take all the necessary actions to ensure that we (Malaysia) remains as Category 1," he told reporters after the opening ceremony of Malaysia Aviation Safety Seminar 2023 (MASS '23) here today.

In October 2022, the US announced that Malaysia's IASA rating was upgraded to Category 1 and the country is in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. 

The FAA said the upgrade to Category 1 follows a thorough review of Malaysia's progress in improving  its aviation safety oversight processes. 

The FAA's IASA program focuses on a country's ability to adhere to international aviation safety standards and recommended practices. 

The standards are set by ICAO, the United Nation's technical agency for aviation. 

Malaysia was downgraded to IASA Category 2 rating in November 2019 following the country's failure to comply with the ICAO standards for safety matters, which included lack of technical expertise, trained personnel and inspection procedures. 

Any airline from a Category 2 status country is prohibited from applying to fly to new routes in the United States. 

With the current Category 1 rating, Malaysian-based airlines could now fly to any US destinations and enter into codeshare agreements with US carriers without limitations. 

Loke said Malaysia strives to foster a safer aviation environment through collaboration and sharing of best practices. 

"The organising of MASS '23 is part of Malaysia's commitment as a member of ICAO council to uphold our mission of encouraging aviation safety, innovation and sustainability," he added. 

The two-day MASS '23 seminar covers a wide range of topics, including aircraft maintenance, air traffic control procedures, ramp inspections, runway safety programme, emergency preparedness and positive safety culture. 

CAAM chief executive officer, Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said the event  aims to build a strong and proactive aviation safety culture based on a comprehensive safety management system and active engagements between aviation regulatory bodies, aircraft manufacturers, airlines and airport operators from the Asia Pacific region.

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