Malaysia to seize drone boom, PM Anwar promises stronger rules, research and industry collaboration

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today pledged government backing to build Malaysia’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry into a new engine of economic growth, saying Putrajaya will strengthen regulations, research and collaboration to accelerate the sector’s development.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the country’s first drone exhibition today, Anwar said the government has instructed ministries, research institutions and relevant agencies to provide the support needed to develop the local UAV ecosystem as drone technology becomes increasingly important for both commercial and defence applications.

“We have now seen the potential of the UAV industry. I have asked Cabinet ministers, the framers of our policies, the science research establishment and all related agencies to give all the support necessary,” he said.

He said the government’s support would extend beyond defence, with drones playing an increasingly important role in plantations, agriculture, disaster response, search and rescue operations, environmental management and other civilian uses.

Citing the growing adoption of drones alongside artificial intelligence and digital technologies, Anwar said Malaysia must move quickly to seize opportunities in what is expected to become a rapidly expanding global market.

He noted industry estimates projecting the global UAV market to exceed US$55 billion (RM 227.59 billion) by 2030, while the emerging “low-altitude economy” is becoming a new driver of investment, productivity and economic activity.

“We are determined, therefore, in Malaysia to seize these opportunities,” he said.

“To support the industry’s growth, we will improve the regulatory framework governing drones while expanding investment in research, testing and certification.”

He also called for stronger collaboration between industry players, government research institutions and universities, saying higher learning institutions should play a bigger role in developing drone technology, similar to ongoing efforts in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

“If Malaysia wants to be a more successful country, innovative in terms of economy, it must be fast, speedy and move with haste in order to develop new technologies and fields,” he said.

Anwar said a successful drone ecosystem would depend not only on innovation but also on political stability, clear government policies, an efficient civil service and close cooperation between the public and private sectors.

He said these factors have helped Malaysia remain attractive to investors despite growing global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

While acknowledging conflicts in the Middle East and broader international instability, Anwar said Malaysia should remain focused on strengthening its economy and emerging technology sectors instead of being distracted by events beyond its control.

“The value of this technology cannot be underestimated. It is for productivity, economic advancement, defence, and also to serve our people, strengthen our resilience and improve the quality of public services,” he said.