Drone flights in Malaysia will soon be tightly enforced by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). An official said that the DCA is preparing to finalise the deployment of enforcement teams; which will be based at all 21 airports around the country.
These teams will be equipped with radar to spot drone activities within the vicinity, as well as a jammer to disable drones and intercept them on the ground. The department remind the public that it is illegal to fly drones without authorisation outside of the owner’s house compound. Additionally, users can only fly up to 50 meters before needing special permit to breach that ceiling.
Companies and individuals who want to go beyond that height will need to apply for a permit stating when and where they will be flying the drone. With this permit, users can fly to a maximum ceiling height of 120 metres ; the permit itself is only valid for three months.
DCA also is mooting the idea of compulsory user registration with the department for drone owners. Users will need to pay a one-time fee of RM 800, with a yearly fee of RM500.
DCA also cautioned that users caught flying drones illegally could be fined up to RM 50,000 or jailed for three years, or both if convicted. Similarly, companies caught meanwhile can face fines of up to RM 100,000 or six months imprisonment, or both at the same time.
(Source: Malay Mail Online, Malaysia DCA )
