JOHOR BARU: Decisive action must be taken by the government to update its legal framework and improve technological measures to combat the misuse of drones, says the Malaysia UAV Development Association.
Its co-founder and president Datuk Lester Tay Kean Boon (pic) said the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia should revise current regulations, including the Civil Aviation Regulations of 2016, 2018 and 2020.
“This is to specifically address the challenges posed by the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
“The updated legal framework should aim to curb the misuse of drones by imposing stricter penalties for drone-related offences, particularly those involving attempts to smuggle contraband into prisons.
“The revised regulations would reflect a broader effort by the government to stay ahead of technological advancements and ensure public safety,” he said when contacted.
Tay also recommended that prisons across Malaysia strengthen their defences by implementing advanced drone detection technologies.
“These defences should include radar systems, radio frequency scanners and acoustic sensors designed to detect unauthorised drones near correctional facilities.
“Such technologies are crucial in identifying drones before they breach prison perimeters,” he said.
“In addition to detection, various methods are being explored to intercept or disable drones once they are detected.
“These methods range from signal jamming and anti-drone systems to more unconventional approaches such as deploying nets or even using trained birds of prey to bring down rogue drones,” he added.
Tay also said it is important to have coordination between different agencies to tackle the issue.
“Prison authorities, law enforcement, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Sirim Berhad should work together to create a comprehensive response to the threat posed by drones.
“This collaboration is essential for sharing information, resources and expertise in effectively addressing the problem.
“To further control drone operations, the government should consider implementing mandatory drone registration and real-time tracking systems.
“These measures would help identify operators of malicious drones and deter potential offenders by increasing the likelihood of detection and prosecution,” he said.
Tay said establishing and enforcing no-fly zones around sensitive areas like prisons is another key strategy.
“These zones, supported by advanced technology, would prevent drones from entering restricted airspace or trigger an automatic landing if they malfunction,” he said.
On Aug 12, Narcotics Crime Investigations Department director Comm Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin said drug syndicates were now trying to outwit the authorities by turning to drones.
Besides the latest incident in Perak, he said there were four attempts made at prisons in Kedah, Melaka and one each in Kelantan and Sarawak to smuggle drugs into prisons using drones with 630g of heroin, ganja, syabu, yaba pills and ketamine seized.
