CAAM announces scheduled low-flying aircraft operations near Sepang International Circuit for the F1 GP Bahrain and warns against illegal drone use.
SEPANG: Low-flying aircraft operations are scheduled over Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and nearby areas in Sepang, Selangor in conjunction with the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) next month.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) in a statement today said the operations are scheduled to take place from Sept 30 to Oct 4 between 2 pm and 3 pm.
“Members of the public in these areas may observe aircraft flying at lower altitudes than usual and are advised not to be alarmed. The operations have been coordinated with the relevant authorities and will be conducted in accordance with applicable safety requirements,” the statement said.
CAAM also reminds the public that unauthorised drone operations in the affected airspace are prohibited during the event as it can pose a serious risk to low-flying aircraft and to people on the ground. “Drone operators must obtain the necessary authorisation before conducting any flight. Those who operate drones without authorisation may be subject to investigation and enforcement action under the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 and other applicable laws,” it said.
CAAM urges the public and drone operators to observe these restrictions and cooperate with the relevant authorities.
“Keeping the affected airspace clear is essential to the safe conduct of the aircraft operations and the safety of everyone at the event and in surrounding areas,” the statement said.
Malaysia is set to welcome F1 back to the SIC after nine years, through the hosting of the F1 Bahrain GP from Oct 2-4.
The SIC previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017, before it was dropped from the F1 calendar following rising hosting costs and licensing fees.
The prestigious race’s return to Malaysia follows successful diplomacy between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and King Hamad Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain.
