Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) will implement the Unmanned Valley Ecosystem pilot project to drive the development of the low-altitude economy (LAE).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, LAE refers to economic activities and public services conducted within a low-altitude airspace ecosystem using technologies such as drones, advanced air mobility (AAM), air logistics, infrastructure inspection, smart farming, and emergency services. The sector also includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), air taxis, and vertical take-off and landing electric aircraft (eVTOLs).

Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin stated that the project would be carried out under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with the proposed pilot project to be located at universities. Sim shared, "The government under the National Aerospace Industry Corporation of Malaysia (NAICO Malaysia) is planning to establish an 'unmanned valley', where all flights, including the vertiport system, can be tested."

The pilot project's implementation at universities aims to engage the younger generation, who are expected to be the primary users of this technology. Sim also mentioned that they are open to suggestions for other suitable locations to implement the pilot project.

Ensuring safety is a critical challenge in the pilot project's implementation, as it is essential for the proper testing and development of the technology. Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously noted that the LAE guidelines are anticipated to be announced by the end of this year, providing a regulatory, operational, and governance framework to ensure safe airspace integration in the sector.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is in the process of developing these guidelines, which are expected to be announced at the Asian Transport Expo (TXA) 2026.