PUTRAJAYA – Sarawak is intensifying its aviation development agenda following the merger of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM, effective 1 August 2025).
The consolidation, endorsed by the federal government, is expected to streamline aviation governance and enhance regulatory efficiency nationwide.
During a recent working visit to CAAM’s headquarters in Putrajaya, Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin met with CAAM Chairman Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Captain Norazman Mahmud, alongside senior management. The session marked the first formal engagement between Sarawak and CAAM since the merger.
Discussions centred on strengthening cooperation in several areas, including airline operations, airport infrastructure, aviation safety, and the emerging Low Altitude Economy (LAE). Dato Sri Lee emphasised that Sarawak seeks CAAM’s continued support to ensure the state’s aviation sector develops in line with modern industry standards.
A key agenda item was the regulatory framework for AirBorneo, Sarawak’s state-owned airline. The carrier, which began turboprop services in late 2025, is scheduled to launch jet operations in July 2026.
Certification requirements, operational readiness, and approvals for Rural Air Services (RAS) were highlighted as priorities to ensure safe and timely expansion.
Attention also turned to the proposed New Kuching International Airport, which will be developed at Tanjung Embang as part of Sarawak’s aerotropolis vision.
Both parties discussed technical planning, regulatory alignment, and the airport’s role in positioning Sarawak as a regional aerospace hub.
The project is expected to incorporate sustainable design principles and modern facilities to meet future demand.
CAAM’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sarawak’s aviation ambitions. Chairman Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi assured that the authority would continue working closely with the state to advance aviation governance and safety.
The meeting also addressed upcoming initiatives, including the Sarawak Aviation Safety Programme and the Low Altitude Economy Seminar, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 in Miri.
Organised by the Sarawak Ministry of Transport in collaboration with CAAM and Curtin University Malaysia, the events aim to enhance regulatory compliance, raise safety awareness, and promote responsible growth of the LAE sector.
Dato Sri Lee expressed gratitude for CAAM’s ongoing cooperation, noting that Sarawak values the authority’s assistance in ensuring aviation development remains safe, efficient, and future-ready.
He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, MOTS Aviation Technical Advisor Sio Yew Hua, MOTS Head of Aviation Zulkarnain Rosli, and other senior officials.
The merger of CAAM and MAVCOM is projected to improve financial sustainability, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously stating that the move could save the government up to RM2 billion over the next decade.
For Sarawak, the consolidation provides a stronger platform to advance its aviation agenda, from airline expansion to infrastructure modernisation.
