By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Dec 6 — The state government will jointly work with other regulatory bodies to determine potential drone paths deemed safe to be used for delivery services, including to transport necessary items and for emergency purposes.
State executive councillor for trade and investment Dato’ Teng Chang Khim said the establishment of a drone port will also be included along the path.
“Recently, the state government through the Selangor Darul Ehsan Aerospace Industry Coordination Office (S-Daico) organised a drone regulation sharing session, with participation from the aerospace industry regulatory bodies, local authorities, the state government’s subsidiaries, and higher education institutes.
“It provided in-depth information and discussion about the drone industry, as well as some insights from the industry players.
“Therefore, we concluded that by having a specific drone path, it would further strengthen the development of the drone industry in Selangor including the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) segment,” he said during the State Legislative Assembly, here, today.
Teng was responding to a query from Banting assemblyman Lau Weng San on the state’s potential to attract high technology investment in flying car and drone manufacturing.
He added that through the Selangor Aerospace Action Plan 2020-2030, the state government has identified drone technology as one of the segments that can be explored to empower the aerospace industry.
“Bear in mind the drone industry’s scope is broad, and not merely a device nor photography equipment. The functions of drones have become crucial and expanded into surveillance technology and data mapping, as well as being used in the delivery sector, among others.
“Based on an infographic on Drone Market Size 2020-2025 issued by DRONEII, the global compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the drone sector is estimated to increase to 13.8 per cent in 2025.
“In Asia, the CAGR is estimated to reach 17.89 per cent in 2025, compared to 8.62 per cent in 2020. The vast potential which the sector holds thus justifies the state government’s decision to seriously venture into it,” he said.
