PM sees more efficient air traffic services
SEPANG: With the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre (KL ATCC) now operating at a new state-of-the art complex in Sepang, it will raise the efficiency of the country’s air traffic services to be on par with developed countries.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the KL ATCC not only provided air traffic service operations for Peninsular Malaysia airspace but it also housed the Search and Rescue Centre and the Joint Airspace Management Coordination Centre.
“This state-of-the-art integrated control centre is able to enhance the country’s capacity and preparedness to face the challenging aviation situation and be able to bring a brighter future for the next generation,” he said when opening the KL ATCC yesterday.
On Sept 1, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the relocation of KL ATCC’s operations to Sepang from Subang saw the restructuring of the country’s airspace from seven to 14 sectors.
The KL ATCC, which is situated in a building inspired by the wau or kite design, houses the Kuala Lumpur Air Flight Information air traffic operations centre, which is the backbone of the country’s air traffic control functions, and the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.
Lauding the relocation of the KL ATCC, Ismail Sabri said the project was approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan with an allocation of RM650.366 million following the rapid development of civil aviation industry.
The prime minister also described the move to relocate KL ATCC to Sepang as timely as the country was taking measures to revive its economy.
He said although the civil aviation industry was hard hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic that started in early 2020, the trend showed the sector is expected to recover by 2025.
“I have high hopes that the opening of the country’s borders will further boost the civil aviation sector, which will have a positive impact on the economy,” he said.