KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) refuted a media report suggesting they were out to stop the unapproved use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones.
In a statement issued by the DCA, its director general Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abd Rahman clarified that not all drones are required to be operated with approvals from the DCA.
"Any person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft with a mass of not more than 20 kilogrammes may fly it without an approval from the DCA as long as he is satisfied that the flight can be safely made," said Azharuddin, correcting an article published in an English daily.
He said restrictions are confined to special use airspace areas and around an aerodrome, unless otherwise authorised by the DCA, while also calling for the public to find detailed information about the use of drones on their website www.dca.gov.my.
"We wish to also note that there are no charges imposed on all types of UAS. However, charges may apply to certain type of UAS (drones) or the flying of a drone for the purpose of aerial work, where the UAS is used to provide specialised services," said Azharuddin.
Azharuddin said the DCA is currently undergoing an extensive study on the possibility of establishing an enforcement unit for the purposed of civil aviation safety as well as the possibility of registering certain types of UAS.
"There is no definite decision that has been made thus far and the department will only provide updates and announcements once a decision has been reached," he said.