Drone industry has potential to contribute RM50.71bil to GDP, says PM

PUTRAJAYA: An action plan will be developed to support the country’s drone ecosystem, aside from efforts to boost efficiency in registering gadget operators, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said plans are afoot to have the Drone Technology Action Plan 2022-2030 and at the same time, a system to manage unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that is in the pipeline.

These were among the outcomes of the second Economic Digital and Industrial Revolution 4.0 Council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on Tuesday (Sept 6).

The Prime Minister said the drone industry has the potential to generate growth of RM50.71bil to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is able to create 100,000 employment opportunities by 2030.

He said the meeting took note of issues raised by industry players including bureaucratic procedures.

“We will see how this can be addressed so that the country’s drone industry can grow,” Ismail Sabri said in a statement.

He said the meeting was also informed that Digital Nasional Bhd has set a target where 5G coverage would reach 40% by the end of this year.

“A target has also been set where 80% of populated areas get the coverage by 2024,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that further efforts will be made to strengthen small and medium enterprises through digitalisation.

“The status of workers in the gig economy will also be monitored to ensure those in this industry have financial guarantees and adequate legal protection,” he added.

The Prime Minister said the government would strengthen cooperation with Microsoft Malaysia in the area of cyber security and online fraud, aside from organising awareness forums, skills workshops and technical training.