Malaysia to have single aviation regulator starting Aug 1, says Transport Minister
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will have a single aviation regulator beginning Aug 1, following the merger of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced today.
He said the move, part of the government's broader reform agenda, will see CAAM take over Mavcom's economic regulatory functions, becoming the sole authority overseeing all technical, safety and economic aspects of the nation's aviation industry.
"With this integration, CAAM will operate as a statutory body with separated remuneration and autonomy (BBDSB), providing it with greater flexibility in financial governance, human resource management, and strategic decision-making," the minister said at a media briefing here.
Loke added that the streamlined structure would lay a strong foundation for CAAM to drive sustainable growth and support Malaysia's ambition to become a regional aviation hub.
He also said A si the legal processes backing this initiative were conducted transparently and in accordance with parliamentary procedure.
Two key bills — the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Dissolution) Bill 2024 and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (Amendment) Bill 2024 were passed by the Dewan Rakyat on June 26, 2024, and approved by the Dewan Negara on July 30, 2024.
Both acts received the consent of the King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim on Sept 11, 2024, and were gazetted on Sept 25, 2024.
The acts will come into force concurrently with the effective date of the merger.
Loke said all 57 current Mavcom employees will be offered placements in CAAM based on their skills and experience.
He added that it also assured that the entire transition will be carried out in a transparent and well-coordinated manner, guided by best governance practices and supported by a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
"With this initiative, Malaysia is well-positioned to revitalise its aviation sector in a more sustainable and competitive way."
"CAAM is expected to play a pivotal role in realising the country's aspirations of becoming a dynamic regional aviation hub, in line with Malaysia's inclusive and innovation-driven development goals," Loke said.
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