Before any commercial or high-risk drone flight can take off in Malaysia, drone operators must obtain Air Traffic Flight Approval (ATF) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
This approval grants legal permission to operate drones in controlled or sensitive airspace.
What Is ATF (Authorization to Fly)?
When flying a drone commercially or near regulated airspace, an Authorization to Fly (ATF) is required.
It is an official document confirming that your flight will not interfere with manned aircraft or violate safety rules.
Knowing how to apply an ATF in Malaysia ensures your operations remain compliant with CAAM’s Civil Aviation Directive (CAD 6011).
When Do You Need an ATF?
Technically, all drone flights — even hobbyist missions — require ATF approval.
However, CAAM has not yet fully enforced this regulation for recreational pilots. For now, most hobbyists can still fly freely as long as they follow the rule of thumb and maintain safety.
By Q4 2025, CAAM is expected to launch the UTMSys App, which will simplify and speed up the ATF application process.
Currently, you must apply for an ATF if your flight:
- Is for commercial, industrial, or research purposes
- Takes place near airports or heliports
- Occurs in urban or restricted areas
- Involves night operations
- Uses drones weighing over 20 kg
Who Can Apply for an ATF?
Anyone can apply for an Authorisation to Fly (ATF) — whether you’re an individual or a company.
However, having an RCoC-B certificate makes the process much easier and faster, as it proves you’re a qualified and competent drone pilot under CAAM regulations.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply an ATF in Malaysia
Step 1 — Obtain Work Order or Permission
Begin by securing a Work Order or a Letter of Permission from the Land or Property Owner where your drone flight will take place.
This ensures you have legal access to operate within that area.
Step 2 — Apply to State or Federal Authority
Depending on your flight location, submit the application to the respective authority:
| Jurisdiction | Authority Involved | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | Chief Government Security Office (CGSO) | National-level approval |
| Sarawak | Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Negeri (UKPN) under State Planning Office (SPO) | Required for all Sarawak-based flights |
| Sabah | Jabatan Ketua Menteri → Jabatan Tanah & Ukur | Must obtain land clearance approval |
Each state ensures the drone flight does not pose a threat to local security or privacy.
Step 3 — Apply to JUPEM
Once security approval is obtained, forward the application to:
Jabatan Ukur dan Pemetaan Malaysia (JUPEM).
JUPEM evaluates the mapping and aerial coverage request.
💰 Cost: RM50 per day
This fee covers data and mapping coordination, ensuring your drone operation aligns with national survey standards.
Step 4 — Get Technical Approvals
Parallel to JUPEM, obtain endorsements from:
- Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) — for communication frequency approval
- SIRIM — for drone hardware compliance and signal certification
Step 5 — Submit to CAAM
After obtaining all necessary clearances (JUPEM, CGSO/UKPN, MCMC, SIRIM), submit your full application to:
📩 drone.atf@caam.gov.my
or
📩 uav@caam.gov.my
Include:
- All supporting documents and permits
- Drone flight plan
- Pilot credentials (RCoC-B, EVLOS, or AGR)
- Risk assessment and safety report
CAAM will review your application to ensure full compliance with CAD 6011 (Civil Aviation Directive).
Conclusion
Getting Air Traffic Flight Approval (ATF) is an essential part of professional drone operation in Malaysia.
By understanding how to apply an ATF in Malaysia, you ensure your flights are legal, safe, and respected by aviation authorities.
Once you’ve completed the process a few times, it becomes routine — ensuring every mission is properly documented and approved.
So before your next flight, remember: plan your mission, prepare your paperwork, and always fly responsibly.
✅ That’s the real secret to mastering how to apply an ATF in Malaysia.
