KUCHING: Sarawak is strengthening its aviation collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) following the CAAM-MAVCOM (Malaysian Aviation Commission) merger, with a focus on aviation matters affecting the state.
As part of these efforts, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin paid a working visit to CAAM headquarters in Putrajaya on Dec 12.
During the visit, he was received by CAAM chairman Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi, chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud, and members of CAAM’s senior management.
The visit marked the first official engagement following the successful completion of the CAAM-MAVCOM merger on Aug 1.
Lee emphasised that, following the merger, the Sarawak government looks forward to CAAM’s continued high level of cooperation in supporting the development and governance of Sarawak’s aviation sector.
He also expressed his appreciation to CAAM for its continued support and reaffirmed that the Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS), welcomes ongoing cooperation and assistance from CAAM on all aviation matters in the state.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Sharil reaffirmed the Authority’s unwavering support for the Sarawak government’s aviation initiatives under MOTS.
According to a statement issued by MOTS on Dec 12, discussions centred on strengthening collaboration, exchanging updates on key initiatives, and deliberating ongoing and future developments in Malaysia’s aviation sector, particularly those affecting Sarawak, including airline operations, airport development, the low-altitude economy and aviation safety.
The discussion also covered regulatory matters related to the establishment of AirBorneo, including certification requirements, operational readiness and the safe commencement of its operations, encompassing both Rural Air Services (RAS) and upcoming jet operations scheduled to begin in 2026.
Additionally, progress updates and regulatory coordination on the proposed New Kuching International Airport were also deliberated during the visit.
Both parties also discussed the upcoming Sarawak Aviation Safety Programme and the Low Altitude Economy (LAE) Seminar, which will be held in Miri in the first quarter of next year and organised by MOTS in collaboration with CAAM and Curtin University Malaysia.
These initiatives aim to strengthen regulatory compliance, promote shared responsibility and enhance safety awareness among aviation stakeholders and the public in Sarawak, while supporting the safe and responsible growth of Low Altitude Economy (LAE) activities and unlocking their broader economic potential for Sarawak.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil; Aviation Technical Advisor for MOTS Sio Yew Hua; MOTS Head of Aviation Zulkarnain Rosli; and other senior officers.
