Anwar Reaffirms Government Commitment to Expanding Malaysia’s Drone Industry and Innovation Ecosystem
SERDANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating the development of Malaysia’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry, describing drone technology as a strategic growth sector capable of driving innovation, economic expansion and higher productivity across multiple industries.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of MyDrone Expo 2026 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), Anwar said Malaysia possesses strong potential to become a regional leader in drone technology if government agencies, research institutions, universities and industry players continue working together to strengthen the national ecosystem.
He said the rapid evolution of UAV technology has transformed drones from specialised aviation equipment into versatile tools that now support economic development, digital transformation and public service delivery.
According to the Prime Minister, the government has already instructed the Cabinet, relevant ministries, scientific research organisations and related agencies to provide the necessary support required for the industry’s continued growth.
“They should have confidence because the government’s policy direction is clear. The drone industry, together with its supporting technologies, will continue receiving the support needed for future development.
“Our commitment extends beyond aviation and defence. Drone technology now contributes to numerous sectors and has demonstrated significant potential to improve productivity through the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced automation,” he said.
Anwar noted that drone applications have expanded rapidly into areas including logistics, industrial operations, precision agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, packaging, security and emergency services.
He said the technologies showcased during MyDrone Expo illustrated how combining UAV platforms with AI could significantly enhance operational efficiency while creating new economic opportunities for Malaysian businesses.
The Prime Minister stressed that the government remains committed to strengthening the regulatory framework governing the drone industry while encouraging greater collaboration between technology companies, universities, certification bodies and research organisations.
Such cooperation, he said, is essential to accelerate research, product development, testing, certification and commercialisation of locally developed drone technologies capable of competing internationally.
Anwar also highlighted the growing role played by Malaysian universities in producing talent capable of supporting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems and quantum computing.
He described the increasing involvement of higher education institutions in these fields as an encouraging development that would contribute to Malaysia’s long-term technological competitiveness.
Beyond economic applications, the Prime Minister said UAV technology has become increasingly valuable in defence, search and rescue (SAR), plantation management, environmental monitoring and disaster management.
Drones are capable of providing real-time situational awareness, locating victims more efficiently and accessing hazardous or remote locations that may be difficult for emergency personnel to reach using conventional methods.
According to Anwar, these capabilities demonstrate that drone technology has evolved into an essential national asset supporting both economic resilience and public safety.
He emphasised that the true value of UAV innovation lies not only in technological advancement but also in its ability to improve public services, strengthen national preparedness and enhance Malaysia’s overall economic competitiveness.
The government, he added, will therefore continue supporting the industry’s growth through clear policies, sustained investment, research initiatives, talent development and stronger partnerships across the public, private and academic sectors to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the rapidly expanding global drone industry.
