Drone Laws in Malaysia

Are drones allowed in Malaysia?

According to CAAM, drones are allowed in Malaysia, subject to CAAM regulations. Read on for details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Malaysia:

In Malaysia, drones are classified into three categories:

• Small Unmanned Aircraft System: Drones with a maximum weight of 20 kilograms

• Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft: Drones that weigh a maximum of 20 kilograms are equipped with data acquisition devices (such as cameras and microphones).

• Unmanned Aircraft System more than 20kg: All other drones weighing more than 20 kg

Regulations vary according to category. For example, the second category includes standard camera drones such as the DJI Mavic and Phantom.

Further authorization is not required for such drones if the following maneuvers are avoided:

• From a weight of 20 kilograms, authorization is required.

• Malaysia’s maximum permitted ascent height is 120 meters (400 feet).

• Flights of drones over designated areas (areas for residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational purposes)

• In Malaysia, drone flights are permitted only within visual range. However, under certain conditions, experienced pilots can conduct FPV flights.

• Within 150 meters of each designated area, drone flights

• We strongly advise obtaining aviation liability insurance before conducting drone operations in Malaysia.

• Drone flights over crowds of more than 1,000 people in open spaces

• Drone flights within 150 meters of any outdoor gathering of over 1000 people

• Drone flights within 50 meters of any ship, vehicle, or structure that is not under the pilot’s control

• Drone flights are restricted to a radius of 50 meters around each person.

• During takeoff and landing, drones fly within 30 meters of each person.

• All operations must be conducted beyond 9.26km (5 Nautical Miles) from an aerodrome or airport and only in Class G airspace.

• Flights are permitted only during daylight hours.

If you meet any of the criteria listed above, you will require a license from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).

If your UAS activity is not categorized as a Special UAS Project, Agricultural UAS Operations is flown within Visual Line of Sight in Class G Airspace and utilizing less than 20 kilograms of UA. Then, most likely, you will be required to submit the Standard Application to achieve your Authorisation to Fly.

The application form for the authorization to fly can be found in the document below. The completed application form and required supporting documents shall be sent to drone.atf@caam.gov.my at least fourteen (14) days before the proposed activity date. CAAM reserves the right to reject incomplete or late submissions.

Go here to find the link to the Application Form for Standard Application to Fly

Information about Drone permits in Malaysia

Before applying for a CAAM permit, you must first obtain permission from the landowner whose property you intend to fly over. Additionally, depending on your circumstances, you may need to get the following documents:

• A letter of approval from JUPEM, or Jabatan Ukur dan Pemetaan Malaysia, is required for any drone activity involving aerial mapping, aerial photography, filming, or videography.

• A letter from the CGSO or Chief Government Security Office authorizing the pilot to fly in no-fly zones such as Putrajaya.

• A letter of approval from the Sabah or Sarawak Chief Minister, depending on which state you will be flying.

• An approval letter from the MCMC or Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission is required for foreign drone pilots.

Please remember that your application to CAAM must be submitted at least 14 working days before your scheduled flight date, or it will be rejected.

How to get Standard Authorization to Fly Drones in Malaysia?

If your UAS activity is not categorized as a Special UAS Project, Agricultural UAS Operations is flown within Visual Line of Sight in Class G Airspace and utilizing less than 20 kilograms of UA. Then, most likely, you will be required to submit the Standard Application to achieve your Authorization to Fly.

The completed application form and required supporting documents shall be sent to drone.atf@caam.gov.my at least fourteen (14) days before the proposed activity date. CAAM reserves the right to reject an incomplete or late submission.

Penalties

If the person is an individual, they may be fined not more than fifty thousand ringgit, imprisoned for over three years, or both.

If the person is a corporate body, they may be fined not more than one hundred thousand ringgits.

Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Malaysia

Recreational drone use will most likely require a standard application to fly. Please see the information above.

You must ensure that you can maintain direct and unaided visual contact with the aircraft long enough to monitor its flight path to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels, and structures to avoid collisions.

Authorization from the Director-General is REQUIRED if the person in charge of the small unmanned aircraft system intends to fly the small unmanned aircraft system:

• within an aerodrome traffic zone

• at the height of more than 400 feet above ground

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Malaysia

To fly a UAS for aerial work, you need authorization from the Director-General.

Aerial work is an aircraft operation that provides specialized services such as agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation and patrol, search and rescue, and aerial advertisement.

• Registration of small unmanned aircraft and small uncrewed surveillance aircraft is NOT required.

• Registration of unmanned aircraft systems weighing more than 20kg is REQUIRED.

Each authorization requires additional direct payment to the authority.