PUTRAJAYA — The rationalisation between the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has been completed, with CAAM officially becoming the sole regulator for Malaysia’s civil aviation sector as of today.
The Transport Ministry (MOT) announced that all functions previously handled by Mavcom — including economic regulation — have now been absorbed by CAAM.
The move is part of a strategic overhaul aimed at creating a more efficient and responsive regulatory framework aligned with international best practices, particularly those set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In line with the restructuring, the MOT also announced the appointment of Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi as the new chairman of CAAM, effective immediately.
Sharil, who has served as a member of CAAM’s governing authority since 2021 and as deputy chairman since 2023, brings more than 30 years of experience in the legal and corporate sectors.
He previously led the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as chairman and CEO in 2011.
“His regulatory expertise in sectors such as telecommunications, internet, media, and postal services is expected to further strengthen CAAM’s leadership during this new phase of transformation,” the ministry said in a statement.
CAAM now functions as a Statutory Body with Separated Remuneration and Independence (BBDSB), granting it autonomy in financial planning and human resources.
This includes the ability to offer more competitive salary packages in line with industry standard — a key step in attracting and retaining qualified technical personnel (QTPs), the ministry added.
As part of the rationalisation, all Mavcom staff were offered positions within CAAM, with 93% accepting the offer as of July 31.
To support its expanded mandate, the composition of CAAM’s governing authority has also been strengthened with new appointments, including a representative from the Economy Ministry and two experts in economics, competition policy, and consumer protection.
“The ministry is confident that this consolidation will streamline Malaysia’s aviation institutional structure while enhancing CAAM’s operational efficiency, industry competitiveness, and stature as an international-class aviation regulator,” the statement said. — August 1, 2025