CAAM

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is the government authority responsible for the oversight, regulation, and safety of civil aviation in Malaysia. Operating under the Ministry of Transport, CAAM exercises authority over Malaysian airspace, crew licensing, aircraft and airport certification, and ensures compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. In 2026, the scope of the CAAM extends to the modernization of air traffic management and the rigorous oversight of consumer rights in partnership with MAVCOM (Malaysian Aviation Commission), which regulates the economic and passenger protection aspects of air travel.

For 2026, the CAAM has implemented critical updates focused on sustainability and digitalization:

• Implementation of the "Green Aviation Framework": New guidelines for air operators to reduce carbon emissions, including incentives for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• Cybersecurity: New regulations (Civil Aviation Directives - CAD) that require all Malaysia-based airlines to strengthen their IT systems against cyber threats to protect passenger data.
• Drone Certification (UAS): Updated registration processes for commercial and recreational drones, with the introduction of an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) system in urban areas.

Malaysian regulation emphasizes full transparency. The standards established by MAVCOM, under the operational oversight of the CAAM, require:

• "All-in" Fares: Airlines must display the final fare at the time of booking, inclusive of all taxes and fees.
• Transparency: Checked baggage fees must be clearly presented prior to payment.
• Carry-on Baggage: The CAAM monitors compliance with weight limits and safety dimensions to prevent hazards within the cabin during emergency evacuations.

Pet transportation in Malaysia follows strict sanitary guidelines coordinated with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS):

• Import/Export: All animals must have an import permit issued by the DVS.
• Safety: The CAAM does not permit pets in the cabin on most domestic routes (with the exception of certified guide dogs). Transportation in the cargo hold must adhere to the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), ensuring proper ventilation and temperature control.
• Documentation: A microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued within 7 days prior to the flight are mandatory.

In 2026, passenger protection guidelines in Malaysia have solidified:

• Seating Together: Airlines are strongly discouraged from separating children under 12 from their accompanying adults, and crew are required to make every effort to relocate them at no additional cost.
• Equipment Allowance: Collapsible strollers and car seats certified for onboard use are generally permitted free of charge, in addition to the standard baggage allowance, subject to CAAM safety verification.
• Meals: Advance booking for infant/child meals is mandatory on long-haul international flights.

The CAAM requires all operators to ensure accessibility in accordance with standards of dignity and safety:

• Wheelchairs: Must be requested at least 48 hours in advance. Airlines are obligated to provide boarding and disembarking assistance at no additional cost.
• Medical Forms (MEDIF): Passengers with chronic medical conditions or those requiring life-support equipment (oxygen, stretchers) must submit a MEDIF (Medical Information Form) for evaluation by the airline’s medical team.
• Priority: Full accessibility in terminals is regulated to ensure that passengers with reduced mobility have unobstructed routes and constant airport support.

• CAAM Official Website: https://www.caam.gov.my
• Civil Aviation Directives (CADs): https://www.caam.gov.my/professionals/safety/civil-aviation-directives/
• MAVCOM (Consumer and Rights): https://www.mavcom.my/en/consumer/flysmart/
• FlySmart Malaysia (Passenger Rights Portal): https://flysmart.my/en/