PUTRAJAYA: The police have been given authorisation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to operate unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones for the purpose of surveillance and enforcement during the movement control order (MCO) as a means to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
CAAM in a statement today said the authorisation was given to the police via the Drone Unit of Police Airwing.
It said drone operations would be led by the police in collaboration with the Malaysian Armed Forces and three private drone companies involving over 90 personnel from these five organisations and the deployment of 92 drones throughout the country.
“A notice to airmen (Notam) has been issued to notify all airspace users that UAS or drone operation is done at a maximum of 500ft above ground level. This Notam applies nationwide and is valid until April 14,” it said.
CAAM said any UAS or drone intended operations require CAAM authorisation as it may cause hazards to other airspace users and endanger public safety due to the extensive coverage of the operations.
The penalties that could be imposed on those who operate a UAS or drone without CAAM’s authorisation include a minimum fine of RM50,000 and/or three years of imprisonment for an individual, or a maximum fine of RM100,000 for a corporate body if found liable.
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