Malaysia (effectively) stops recreational drone flights

[Split-Infinitive]

I fly here quite a bit but this recent change likely stops it.

They've brought in a new system where ALL drone flights have to be pre-approved and pay a fee. Initially when touted 2 years ago it was going to be an app with instant approval and free for recreational use.
However as expected, when it actually materialised the permission requires a LOT of paperwork and application 14 working days before a flight and a fee of RM250 (about $75usd).

Obviously for visitors and hobbyists this is entirely unfeasible so effectively outlaws the flights.

https://www.caam.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SI-01_2025-ATF-Application-for-UAS-Operations-Including-Operations-Related-to-Training.pdf

No permit, no fly – drone operators get warning from aviation regulator

Flying permits are required for all drones, including those flying below 400ft for wedding and commercial videos, and recreational use.

www.freemalaysiatoday.com

In reality you're unlikely to be caught flying in the rain forest or remote places but the scope is now there to catch you elsewhere and in touristy areas. I suspect this will have a knock on effect of putting some of the many drone sellers and shops out of business as demand is about to plummet.

 

[AeroJ]

FFS. That's some weapons-grade governmental / bureaucratic arseholery going on there. There's another destination permanently off the 'visit list' for me then !

 

[paulhackerllc]

I fly here quite a bit but this recent change likely stops it.

They've brought in a new system where ALL drone flights have to be pre-approved and pay a fee. Initially when touted 2 years ago it was going to be an app with instant approval and free for recreational use.
However as expected, when it actually materialised the permission requires a LOT of paperwork and application 14 working days before a flight and a fee of RM250 (about $75usd).

Obviously for visitors and hobbyists this is entirely unfeasible so effectively outlaws the flights.

https://www.caam.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SI-01_2025-ATF-Application-for-UAS-Operations-Including-Operations-Related-to-Training.pdf

No permit, no fly – drone operators get warning from aviation regulator

Flying permits are required for all drones, including those flying below 400ft for wedding and commercial videos, and recreational use.

www.freemalaysiatoday.com

In reality you're unlikely to be caught flying in the rain forest or remote places but the scope is now there to catch you elsewhere and in touristy areas. I suspect this will have a knock on effect of putting some of the many drone sellers and shops out of business as demand is about to plummet.

How in the hell are you supposed to get good at flying, if you don’t (can’t) fly recreationally?

 

[Split-Infinitive]

How in the hell are you supposed to get good at flying, if you don’t (can’t) fly recreationally?

Well you can.
As long as its declared 14 days prior and you pay $75 for each flight.
(which nobody will do)

 

[mavic3usa]

That sucks but like you said, most will have to fly under the radar.

We have our own city here in the states with similar rules/regulations but I'm not sure how the residents cope with it. It's just a guess but I believe they just ignore it as well.

 

[DarR-T]

Although less draconian, the Bahamas require registration and US$30 per stay (no longer than 30 days) to fly there.

 

[Felix le Chat]

I fly here quite a bit but this recent change likely stops it.

They've brought in a new system where ALL drone flights have to be pre-approved and pay a fee. Initially when touted 2 years ago it was going to be an app with instant approval and free for recreational use.
However as expected, when it actually materialised the permission requires a LOT of paperwork and application 14 working days before a flight and a fee of RM250 (about $75usd).

Obviously for visitors and hobbyists this is entirely unfeasible so effectively outlaws the flights.

https://www.caam.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SI-01_2025-ATF-Application-for-UAS-Operations-Including-Operations-Related-to-Training.pdf

No permit, no fly – drone operators get warning from aviation regulator

Flying permits are required for all drones, including those flying below 400ft for wedding and commercial videos, and recreational use.

www.freemalaysiatoday.com

In reality you're unlikely to be caught flying in the rain forest or remote places but the scope is now there to catch you elsewhere and in touristy areas. I suspect this will have a knock on effect of putting some of the many drone sellers and shops out of business as demand is about to plummet.

A sneaky trick first exploited by the safari parks in various African countries, now Local Government Entities and Aviation Authorities seem to have picked up the charge-the-idiot-per-flight baton. Something we're all going to be facing sooner or later.

 

[chadCO]

Silly laws made by clowns are made to be violated.... Need to organize some huge drone shows over their government buildings.

 

[chadCO]

A sneaky trick first exploited by the safari parks in various African countries, now Local Government Entities and Aviation Authorities seem to have picked up the charge-the-idiot-per-flight baton. Something we're all going to be facing sooner or later.

FFS. That's some weapons-grade governmental / bureaucratic arseholery going on there. There's another destination permanently off the 'visit list' for me then !

Malaysia isn't worth bothering with anyway. Compared to most other countries it has very little to offer.

 

[Split-Infinitive]

Malaysia isn't worth bothering with anyway. Compared to most other countries it has very little to offer.

Disagree with that entirely

If its nature, wildlife, tropical rainforest or coral reef its one of the best places to visit of anywhere.
Could easily spend months just hiking and diving around Sabah/Sarawak or Borneo even without peninsula or islands.