Kuala Lumpur: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is expected to publish new regulations pertaining to the operation of foreign-registered aircraft in general aviation by the first quarter of this year. Its chief executive officer, Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud, stated that the comprehensive review of regulation 147 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016, which commenced last year, is nearing completion.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Norazman expressed during an appearance on Bernama TV's 'The Nation' programme that the review aims to enhance CAAM's oversight capabilities for foreign-registered aircraft operating within Malaysia. This initiative is part of ensuring that all aviation activities in the country adhere to the highest safety standards. The review was instigated following an incident on August 17, 2023, involving a Beechcraft Model 390 jet en route to Subang airport, which resulted in the loss of 10 lives. The jet bore the registration number N28JV, indicating its registration with the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

Earlier in the programme, Norazman emphasized CAAM's commitment to maintaining top safety and efficiency standards in Malaysia's aviation sector, aligning with global practices. In light of rising safety concerns following a series of aviation disasters in December 2024, he noted that all aviation stakeholders are learning from these incidents to develop mitigations and prevent recurrences.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has issued standard and recommended practices for aviation stakeholders to follow. While zero risk cannot be guaranteed, efforts are underway to minimize risks as much as possible. Notably, seven plane crashes were reported worldwide in December 2024, including two fatal crashes in Azerbaijan and South Korea, which resulted in the deaths of 220 passengers and heightened concerns over global aviation safety standards.