Malaysia's Regulator Unveils New Rules for Foreign-Registered Aircraft Post-Elmina Crash Review

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is set to introduce new regulations for foreign-registered aircraft operating within the country by the first quarter of 2025. This development follows an exhaustive review prompted by the tragic Elmina crash that occurred on August 17, 2023, where a Beechcraft Model 390 jet, bearing the U.S. registration number N28JV, crashed near Elmina, Shah Alam, Selangor, claiming 10 lives.

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The review of the civil aviation regulations was initiated to enhance oversight and ensure that foreign-registered aircraft comply with the highest safety standards when operating in Malaysian airspace. Norazman Mahmud, the CEO of CAAM, emphasized the urgency of these changes, stating, "I'm pushing for the first quarter...it's almost complete towards the final stage of the Civil Aviation Regulations review," during a recent appearance on Bernama TV's 'The Nation' program. This review aims to empower CAAM with improved capabilities to monitor and regulate these aircraft, ensuring all aviation activities adhere to stringent safety protocols. The Elmina incident underscored the need for a more robust regulatory framework, especially for aircraft not registered locally. The aircraft involved was operated by Jetvalet Sdn Bhd and was flying from Langkawi to Subang when it crashed. Investigations confirmed that while the aircraft complied with the rules of the air at the time of the incident, there were gaps in the oversight of foreign-registered aircraft, particularly concerning their operational safety and maintenance standards when flying in Malaysia.

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The new regulations will focus on several key areas:

  • Enhanced Surveillance: CAAM plans to intensify ramp inspections, particularly at airports like Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, known for significant general aviation activity. This step will ensure that foreign aircraft are subjected to thorough checks before being allowed to operate.
  • Regulatory Compliance: The rules will mandate stricter adherence to both international and local aviation standards. This includes ensuring that all aircraft, regardless of their registration, meet the same safety criteria as those registered in Malaysia.
  • Operational Restrictions: Until the new regulations are fully implemented, there might be temporary restrictions on chartering foreign-registered aircraft. This measure aims to prevent any potential risks while the regulatory framework is being updated.
  • Improved Training and Licensing: Following recommendations from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB), there will be a focus on training for pilots holding foreign licenses, ensuring they are well-versed with local procedures and conditions.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: CAAM has committed to working closely with all aviation stakeholders to ensure these regulations are practical, implementable, and beneficial for maintaining Malaysia's reputation for aviation safety.


The push for these regulatory updates comes at a time when global aviation safety is under scrutiny, with at least seven plane crashes reported worldwide in December 2024, including fatal incidents in Azerbaijan and South Korea. These events have heightened the urgency for all nations to reassess and strengthen their aviation safety measures.

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CAAM's initiative to revise its regulations is in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) standards and recommended practices, which advocate for continuous improvement in safety protocols. While no system can eliminate all risks, the goal is to reduce them to the lowest possible level, ensuring that aviation in Malaysia remains one of the safest in the world. As these new rules are slated for release, the aviation community, both local and international, looks forward to a safer, more regulated sky over Malaysia, with the hope that such tragedies as the Elmina crash will not be repeated.

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