BATU PAHAT: Malaysia imported more than 156,000 drones in the last eight years. More stringent controls are called for to safeguard public safety.

Muhammad Fadillah Rosli, assistant director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems under the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, said controls should be enhanced for public safety.

The drones were imported between 2016 and 2023, and they had been certified by SIRIM.

However, figures for drones illegally imported into Malaysia are not available.

Muhammad Fadillah said during the trial flight of a cargo drone at a durian farm in Jalan Pagoh, Parit Sulong, Johor on Sunday that all drone operators must abide by the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 in order to get a permit.

He also said control measures should be enhanced to prevent accidents or criminal activities which could impact public safety.