PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will introduce a comprehensive Low Altitude Economy (LAE) blueprint by the end of this year as it moves to formalise regulations governing drones, unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility technologies.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the guidelines, being developed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), will form the foundation for a wide range of applications, including logistics, infrastructure inspection, smart agriculture and emergency response services.
“The guidelines will serve as the basis for the use of various technologies such as drones, unmanned aircraft systems, advanced air mobility, aerial logistics, infrastructure inspection, smart agriculture and emergency services,” he said at the inaugural LAE Forum 2026 here today.
Liew said the framework will support structured growth of the sector while ensuring strong safety oversight, adding that the blueprint will provide a clear direction for industry development.
The guidelines are expected to be announced at the Transport Expo Asia scheduled for October.
“We want the guidelines to help regulate the low-altitude economy and, at the same time, be driven by a clear roadmap,” Loke said.
The initiative is part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to strengthen its unmanned aviation ecosystem and unlock new sources of economic growth, adding that the sector could emerge as a new engine of growth for the country.
However, Loke stressed that regulation must strike a careful balance between enabling innovation and ensuring safety.
“Malaysia needs a clear and robust regulatory framework to boost its low-altitude economic sector. Without guidelines, the sector, which includes drones, air taxis and other low-level aviation, cannot properly take off given the need for safety oversight for passengers and cargo,” he said.
At the same time, Loke cautioned against excessive regulation that could stifle industry development. “We do not want to over-regulate to the point of killing off the industry. But at the same time, safety must be taken into account. This balance is important.”
Loke said Malaysia already has early applications of LAE technologies in agriculture, with drones used for precision spraying and crop monitoring across plantations. He also highlighted ongoing medical drone delivery pilots in Sabah and Pahang, describing them as a significant advancement in rural healthcare logistics.
Through electric air mobility, Loke said, these deliveries can cover long distances in minutes, overcoming logistical constraints and ultimately saving lives.
He added that aerial systems are also being explored for infrastructure monitoring, including efforts to curb railway cable theft that has previously caused major disruptions to train services.
Loke said CAAM has begun approving training providers for Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency programmes, but stressed the need to expand and streamline certification to meet rising demand for skilled operators.
Looking ahead, the minister said electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft could transform tourism connectivity to destinations such as Pulau Tioman, Pulau Perhentian, Mabul and Sipadan, while also supporting eco-tourism sites such as the Belum rainforest.
He added that future applications could extend to rural air connectivity in Sarawak, linking remote communities with urban centres, subject to infrastructure readiness.
Loke said Malaysia’s ambition goes beyond adoption, stressing the need for the country to play a leadership role in shaping standards, technology design and manufacturing in the emerging sector.
The country should seize the opportunity to develop its own frameworks and standards, noting that global regulations and guidelines for LAE are still evolving, he added.
“I would like to see Malaysia be a country of design and manufacturing, and not just a country for maintenance and repair of other people’s designs, especially for LAE vehicles and applications.
“Everyone must play their part in developing this LAE ecosystem, including government agencies, regulators, industry players, technology developers, investors, academia, research institutions and local authorities,” Loke said.
