THE Department of Civil Aviation has been rebranded as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) effective today, in line with the government’s commitment to spurring the nation’s aviation industry to greater heights.

Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the statutory body, overseen by his ministry, would regulate safety and security aspects, apart from playing a vital role in maintaining the country’s competitive edge in the global aviation sector.

As an independent regulatory body, he said, CAAM’s responsibilities would include safeguarding civil aviation operations in the country, and regulating the operations of aerodrome services and facilities in Malaysia.

“The body will also be responsible for providing air navigation services within the Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu flight information region, cooperating with any authority in charge of investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents,” he said in a statement today.

He said CAAM would also encourage, promote, facilitate and assist in the development and improvement of civil aviation capabilities, skills and services in the country.

He said the body, which commenced operations today, was helmed by chairman Azharuddin Abdul Rahman and chief executive officer Ahmad Nizar Zolfakar.

The board members are Professor Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Commander (H) Professor Razali Mahfar, Captain Ahmad Ridzwan Mohd Salleh and Captain Mohamed Azharuddin Osman.

Liow said his ministry’s deputy secretary-general (policy) and the Finance Ministry’s Statutory Body Strategic Management Division undersecretary would hold posts as permanent members of CAAM. – Bernama, February 19, 2018.