The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has lauded the drone industry in Malaysia as being able to create up to 100,000 employment opportunities in our country. Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said that by 2030, the industry will be worth RM50 billion in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He further clarified that MOSTI through a collaboration with the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) will spearhead the development of the local drone technology (DroneTech) industry. So far, over 200 drone technology companies have been identified in Malaysia.
As reported by Bernama, Dr Adham also revealed that 25 drone technology applications had been approved over the past 18 months through the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox. All the companies involved received support in terms of financing for commercialisation, regulatory assistance and market development in the agriculture, forestry, smart cities and transportation sectors.
The MOSTI minister explained that the ministry is aiming to make Malaysia among the top-10 countries worldwide in drone preparedness (regulation) and drone usage (market) by 2030. Furthermore, the collaboration with MRANTI is aimed at developing five DroneTech champions of international standards.
Among the focus areas for intensive drone development in Malaysia would be:
- Agricultural
- Logistics
- Creative media and recreational sectors
- Environmental conservation
- Defence and maritime
- Disease control
- Disaster mitigation and relief
- Real estate planning and construction
- Energy
Dr Adham also revealed that discussion were actively being held with the Transport Ministry, International Trade and Industry Ministry as well as other bodies involved in the aviation sector. These include the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM).
The discussions were meant to improve the drone flight permit application process. Among other things, permits may be required for recreational, industrial or other purposes.
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