Kuala lumpur: Malaysia must position itself as an active participant in the rapidly emerging low altitude economy (LAE) sector, which could potentially be the new growth engine, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today. The sector encompasses drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), air taxis, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized that while Malaysia has a solid base in traditional aviation and aerospace industries, it has not yet leveraged opportunities for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and manufacturing in the LAE sector. He noted that Malaysia still conducts MRO activities based on standards set by the United States or Europe, but for LAE, the standards and frameworks are being developed globally. He urged Malaysia to take this opportunity to develop its own frameworks and standards.

Loke highlighted the necessity for Malaysia to initiate its own designs and not just follow existing trends. He stressed the importance of being actively involved in the LAE and its ecosystem holistically, given Malaysia's strong engineering capabilities, a growing digital economy, and strategic location within ASEAN. The minister pointed out the myriad opportunities available in MRO, logistics, tourism, agriculture, and advanced technology.

However, Loke underscored the importance of establishing a clear regulatory framework as the foundation for the sector's growth. He stated that without guidelines, the sector would not take off, emphasizing the need for safety oversight for passengers and cargo. The ministry has tasked the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) with developing a comprehensive regulatory LAE framework to support safe airspace integration, operational oversight, industry development, and future mobility solutions.