Most of the UAS are operating on a similar longitude. This presents potential risk of accidents and collision as the remote pilot may not be able to see manned aircraft in the air in time to prevent a mid-air collision. Apart from that, there could possibly be a communications link failure between the UAS and the pilot’s handset which could cause damage to property, injury, or death – which prompted another issue of insurance coverage. Most importantly, national security is a significant issue, where a small UAS can breach traditional security perimeters at sensitive sites (such as nuclear power plants) and at public venues like sports stadiums. The use of UAS also may trigger privacy concerns, including the potential of undesired or unwarranted surveillance, the collection and use of such data, and potential violations of constitutional protection. However, drones, like other emerging technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution, if managed well with comprehensive regulations in place, alongwith integration of new technologies coupled with product development and enhancing data processing, accessibility and capacity, drones will be in a position to propel and accelerate growth of the products and services, especially now there is an increasing demand for high quality data. Malaysia has also started to go beyond military and recreation with drones. Back in the year 1997, the Malaysian Aerospace Council (MAC) has identified ‘System Integration and Avionics’ as one of the focus areas to develop the aerospace industry in Malaysia. The development of UAV is a ‘system integration’ activity carried out by local aerospace companies to enhance and promote strategic know-how in advanced technologies as recommended by the National Aerospace Blueprint. This was then been realised through the National UAV Program with the establishment of Unmanned Systems Technology Sdn Bhd (UST) in the year 2007. The strategic reasons behind this is for Malaysian companies to pool the country’s resources in developing a truly Malaysian UAV. As the technology evolves, drones are now being used in key industries such construction, oil palm plantation and other agricultural sectors to gather data in optimising their work. However, drone activities in Malaysia are largely service-driven.
While USA and China might dominate the global value chain of UAS/drone, especially in the manufacturing of parts and major components of the drones, Malaysia should start assembling the local integrators, manufacturers of parts and components, Data Repository Platform providers, sensor developers and embark on a journey beyond services. These are basically the brain and heart of the drones which are responsible for the expansion of the drone industry. With the proper support, concerted efforts in R&D, and the brilliant business model, Malaysia will be in a position to cater the local demands and have the potential to be the hub for UAS/drones in the future.
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Malaysian Technology Strategic Outlook 2019/2020 Intergration of High Technology
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