PUTRAJAYA, Feb 19 — The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has been transformed into the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) effective today in line with the government’s commitment to spur the nation’s aviation industry to greater heights.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the statutory body, which will be overseen by his ministry, would regulate the safety and security aspects, besides playing a vital role in maintaining the nation’s competitive edge within the global aviation sector.

As an independent regulatory body, he said the CAAM’s responsibilities would include safeguarding civil aviation operations in the country, exercise safety regulatory oversight of the civil aviation and regulate the operation of aerodrome services and facilities in Malaysia.

"The body will also be responsible to provide air navigation services within the Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu Flight Information Region, co-operate with any authority in charge with investigation of aircraft accident and serious incident,” he said in a statement here today.

Beyond the regulatory and oversight functions, Liow said the CAAM would also encourage, promote, facilitate and assist in the development and improvement of civil aviation capabilities, skills and services in the country.

Liow said the CAAM, which has commenced its operation today, was being helmed by its chairman Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman and chief executive officer Ahmad Nizar Zolfakar.

The board members are Ir Prof Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Commander (H) Prof Datuk Razali Mahfar, Kapten Ahmad Ridzwan Mohd Salleh and Kapten Mohamed Azharuddin Osman.

Liow said Transport Ministry’s deputy secretary-general (Policy) and the Finance Ministry’s Undersecretary of Statutory Body Strategic Management Division would also hold posts as permanent members of the body. — Bernama