CAAM

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is the government authority responsible for overseeing, regulating and ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Malaysia. Under the Ministry of Transport, CAAM has authority over Malaysian airspace, crew licensing and the certification of aircraft and airports, and ensures compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Since 1 August 2025, CAAM has also been in charge of economic regulation and consumer protection, previously handled by the now-dissolved MAVCOM (Malaysian Aviation Commission).

• Since 1 August 2025: CAAM has taken over the functions of the dissolved MAVCOM, including consumer protection (the MACPC 2016 code) and passenger complaints.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

Malaysian regulation emphasises full transparency. The consumer protection rules, enforced by CAAM since 1 August 2025 (previously by the dissolved MAVCOM), 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: most Malaysian airlines do not accept animals in the cabin (except certified guide dogs). In the hold, the container must follow the IATA standard (Live Animals Regulations), with proper ventilation and temperature.
• Documentation: A microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued within 7 days prior to the flight are mandatory.

For families flying in Malaysia, airline policies and the consumer protection code (MACPC) apply:

• Seats: ask for seats together when booking; whether seat selection is charged depends on the airline and the fare.
• Stroller and car seat: many airlines carry one stroller per child free of charge, checked at the counter or at the gate; car seats used on board must be approved for aviation use.
• Children's meals: on flights with meal service, children's meals must be requested in advance.

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/legislation-regulations/general/civil-aviation-directives/
• CAAM — Consumer protection: https://www.caam.gov.my/consumer/faqs/
• FlySmart Malaysia (Passenger Rights Portal): https://flysmart.my/en/