DCA lodges police report over prohibited flying drone near KLIA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has lodged a police report following photographs of unauthorised flying vehicles or unmanned aerial vehicles in the vicinity of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) had been uploaded on social media sites, recently.

Its director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman today when contacted by Astro AWANI confirmed that a police had been made by the DCA.

“Yes, there was a police report lodged this morning urging the police to investigate this matter and also to ensure that it does not happen again," he said.

Meanwhile, pilot Wan Arief Wan Imran had earlier went to the DCA office in Putrajaya to lodge a report on the matter.

"I met with the DCA's Director of Security Division who confirmed that the DCA is aware of this and lodged a police report and it is now being investigated.

"They also informed the Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) and the control tower about the matter,” he said, adding that he will leave the matter in the hands of the police and authorised personnel.

According to Wan Arief, the drone known as 'DJI Phantom 2' drone believed used by the operator has a “fly-away” issue – which the operator goes beyond the control of the latter.

"What if at that moment, the drone decided to fly itself towards the plane?"

Wan Arief said, UAV drones should be operated responsibly and flying it near buildings or airports should be prohibited.

DCA in a statement said the department is concerned with the recent development of drone operations for recreational or commercial purposes.

"These drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have encroached into airports which may disrupt and jeopardise flight operations.

"Any intentions to fly drones or UAV in Malaysian airspace requisites approval from the DCA," said the statement. It also stressed that flying any UAV drones in the vicinity of airports is strictly prohibited and constitutes as an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1969.

Purported aerial drone photographs of aircraft approaching the KLIA had since gone viral, raising fear among Netizens that it could lead to another aviation disaster.

The photos were allegedly posted some three months ago by a user under the handle ‘yengnasir’.

The user, however, defended his action despite people questioning the repercussion of his action.