PUTRAJAYA: The Sarawak Government continues to advance the state's aviation development agenda as the Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, recently conducted a working visit to the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) in Putrajaya.

He was welcomed by the CAAM Chairman, Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi, and the CAAM Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Captain Norazman Mahmud, along with CAAM's senior management.

This visit was also the first official engagement following the CAAM–MAVCOM merger on 1st August 2025, which opens the way for a more comprehensive coordination of national aviation governance.

According to Dato Sri Lee, the meeting focused on efforts to expand cooperation and coordinate mutual priorities, including exchanging updates on current initiatives and discussing the future direction of Malaysia's aviation sector that directly impacts Sarawak.

He stated that this covered airline operations, airport development, the Low Altitude Economy (LAE), and aviation safety.

He mentioned that the Sarawak Government anticipates CAAM's continued cooperation, particularly in supporting the development and governance of Sarawak’s aviation sector more efficiently and safely, in line with current industry requirements.

Among the main focal points were regulatory matters related to the establishment of AirBorneo, including certification requirements, operational readiness levels, and the approval for the safe commencement of operations involving Rural Air Services (RAS) and the planned jet operations scheduled to begin in 2026.

Concurrently, both parties also exchanged views on the progress and regulatory alignment for the proposed New Kuching International Airport, including planning aspects and related technical requirements.

The CAAM Chairman, in turn, expressed his commitment to continuously support Sarawak’s aviation initiatives under the Sarawak Ministry of Transport.

Also discussed was the organisation of the Sarawak Aviation Safety Programme and the Low Altitude Economy (LAE) Seminar, scheduled to take place in Miri during the first quarter of next year, hosted by the Sarawak Ministry of Transport in collaboration with CAAM and Curtin University Malaysia.

This initiative aims to improve regulatory compliance, broaden safety awareness among stakeholders and the public, while supporting the growth of the LAE safely and responsibly, and unlocking wider economic potential for Sarawak.

Dato Sri Lee also expressed his appreciation to CAAM for their continuous support and affirmed that Sarawak, through the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, welcomes CAAM's ongoing cooperation and assistance in all matters concerning aviation in the state.

During the visit, Dato Sri Lee was also accompanied by the 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. -UKASnews