Credit: TechNode Global
The Drone Readiness Index is a significant industry measure that consistently generates discussion.
Malaysia appears to be doing well. This year, the country has risen eight positions to 21st place. This places Malaysia among the finest in Southeast Asia, if not among the greatest.
Malaysia has two domestic drone service providers, Aerodyne and Meraque, which rank first and eighteenth, respectively, in the world.
The index was devised by the consulting firm Drone Industry Insights (DII) and contrasts the drone regulations of various nations. Both countries and drone operators are evaluated based on six criteria: relevance, human resources, airspace integration, operational restrictions, governmental infrastructure, and social acceptance.
“The proposed amendments will be difficult to implement without an efficient and integrated online system,” Transport minister Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong told reporters during the officiating at the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations workshop on Wednesday. “The amendment and introduction of the online system will give exposure to the public regarding the importance of using drones in a controlled and safe manner.”
The agency will also launch an improved application system this year where it’s all done on an app, with approvals done in a day.
Economic Affairs Minister Rafizi Ramli said the government would fast-track expatriate visa applications from the current three months to just five days, which would enable overseas drone companies and their employees to set up shop here quicker.
Rafizi said the applicants will be divided into two groups, with one group eligible for fast-tracking due to the applicants’ good track record and compliance, as well as a long history with the country.
“The others that do not have a history with the country will be checked by the relevant departments. If they are eligible, they too will join the fast-tracked group.” He also said, “The new application process is expected to come into effect in early June.”
But, as with all new initiatives, time will determine how simple it will be for international businesses to operate in Malaysia.
In the same way, neighbouring countries are catching up. Drones are being used in smart agriculture initiatives, for instance, in Thailand.
The Ministry of DES has recommended farmers employ more drones for a new Thailand smart farm project in Pathum Thani Province’s Pin Fah Farm region. Pinfah Farm is an intelligent farm model in Pathum Thani Province designated for agricultural eco-tourism.
Pinfah Farm employs drones to spray medications, fertiliser, and various chemicals in farmlands to reduce money and improve farmer health. Chaiwut Thanakmanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, paid a visit to the new farm and provided financial assistance.
In 2022, drone enthusiasts in Singapore can have a new dedicated flying spot at the Pandan Reservoir where they may fly their remote-controlled aircraft with less worry about unintentionally breaking the rules.
Transport Minister S Iswaran revealed on Sunday (July 17), at the official launch of the unmanned aircraft flying area, that the number of drones registered with the authorities has gone up four-fold.
In an effort to inform the public about safe and responsible flying, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) also said that regular courses and seminars would be performed at the reservoir.
However, the site’s prevailing laws will still be in effect.
There is so much going on around us that it is inevitable that Malaysian drone operators would only have a limited local market and make gradual growth. Their most significant option is to compete internationally.
Before addressing some of the major issues, this post will highlight several additional advantages for drone businesses in Malaysia.
The nation has a variety of topography and is geographically diversified. There are sizable “old economy” industries that require drone services, including agriculture and telecommunications.
It remains anecdotal, though, whether the uptake is positive. Depending on who you speak to, some of the major contenders could argue that drones are beneficial while others may belittle the technology.
There are also four drone sandboxes, and drone service companies have various funding choices. Government support has also benefited a significant business like Aerodyne.
One of the four sandboxes is hosted by Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (Mranti), one of the government organisations that is actively pushing the drone issue.
The company’s CEO, Dzuleira Abu Bakar, and other officials have been engaging in a publicity blitz, including appearances on radio shows and news websites.
Staying Unchanged
For permissions, service providers must clear four regulatory hoops: the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia for permissions to map locations, the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission for permissions to control signals, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) for permissions to fly drones, and SIRIM for permissions to check device readiness and readiness for use.
Although these are the principal governmental organisations that monitor the drone business, service providers must also engage with other organisations. Additionally, they require permission from local governments in order to fly their drones in specific locations as well as from the Chief Government Security Office.
Are there any intentions to make a bold upstream move? The drone factory that India’s Garuda Aerospace plans to construct in Malaysia aims to do that.
Garuda will require further permits from a variety of federal and state entities, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, in order to carry this out.
Despite significant progress in uniting these institutions and authorities—the nation announced a drone roadmap last year—service providers still need to clear the requisite hurdles.
There isn’t a single organisation in charge of investing in or approving drones. There is also the issue of bureaucracy, which results in a protracted approval process.
The sandboxes are important to note because, while they are secure areas for drone testing, they fall well short of simulating real-world scenarios.
The second issue is how slowly laws are changing. Most of the nations with high Drone Readiness Index scores, like Taiwan and South Korea, are recognised for their ability to swiftly create airworthiness standards for risky drone operations.
China and Taiwan, followed by Brazil, Switzerland, and Malaysia, were the nations that advanced the most in terms of drone laws. It’s also important to note that nations such as Indonesia, Taiwan, Korea, and the USA have typically advanced in the certification of drones due to the fact that they created airworthiness standards for certification of drones in high-risk drone operations.
Law after law
Drone operators in Malaysia now require a special permit to fly above people or private property, across no-fly zones, or at altitudes more than 120 metres. To transport large cargoes, they also require authorisation.
There are legitimate worries, particularly around safety and privacy. However, since permissions take so long, many drone service companies are unable to test unmanned deliveries or maintain telecommunications towers, for example.
Lastly, whether the discussion is about changing existing laws or creating new ones, Parliament and the Attorney-General’s Chambers must also be involved.
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