Najib: ‘National Aviation Policy’ on its way

Najib Abdul Razak said it was timely for the government to formally put in place a National Aviation Policy,
given the country’s landscape and the maturity of many segments in the sector.

The prime minister said it was essential that a comprehensive policy defining all the key aspects of aviation, its direction, objectives and long-term strategies be laid out for the clarity of all Malaysia’s aviation stakeholders as the country moved forward in a most uncertain and volatile time for this sector.

“Towards that end, the government through the Transport Ministry intends to formulate such a policy as soon as possible. I believe the ministry has initiated several consultations and discussions with various parties concerned
and a policy framework will take shape in the very near future,” he said.

Najib was speaking at the launching of 100 Years of Aviation in Malaysia at Malaysia Airlines (MAS) A380, Hangar 6, KL International Airport, last night.

Also present was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha.

Najib said he was certain that a comprehensive National Aviation Policy would give the country an important boost “as we take the next step forward to a brighter and more defined future for Malaysian aviation.

“I look forward to unveiling this policy after all inputs, views and concerns from all stakeholders have been considered and evaluated.”

The prime minister said in Malaysia, the government was cognisant of the fact that aviation infrastructure was critical to national development and global integration.

He said Malaysia had reaped the benefits from air links that had expanded the country’s export markets globally and generated a boom in the tourism industry.

“Last year, overall passenger traffic across all our airports grew 12 per cent to over 57 million passengers. KLIA alone recorded over 34 million passenger movements, up 14.8 per cent from the previous year, with 60 carriers
now operating from this world-class facility.

“The fact is, the national aviation sector has a high multiplier effect of 12.5 times to the overall Malaysian economy in terms of tourism, infrastructure and logistics development,” he added.

At the event, Najib also handed out licences to 47 students taking up aircraft maintenance engineering.

– Bernama