CAAM & Regulations
UAS traffic management Malaysia is changing significantly. The ClearPath programme, Malaysia’s national UAS Traffic Management System (UAS-TMS), is replacing the current manual email-based ATF application process with a unified digital platform. In May 2026, CAAM confirmed that Unifly, a global UTM technology provider, joins the ClearPath programme as the operational platform supplier for the U2 flight approval component. This guide explains what the new system is, how its four-stage framework works, and what commercial operators need to prepare for.
Key takeaways
- UAS traffic management Malaysia’s ClearPath system has four stages: U1 (drone registration), U2 (flight approval), U3 (advanced services), and U4 (manned aviation integration).
- Datasonic Technologies/NexG Berhad leads system integration; Unifly delivers the U2 operational flight management platform, confirmed May 2026.
- Low-risk operations in unrestricted airspace will receive instant digital approval through a mobile app, replacing the current 14-working-day manual ATF process for eligible flights.
- Commercial operators should register all drones under U1 and monitor CAAM announcements for the official U2 portal launch date.
What is the UAS traffic management Malaysia ClearPath system?
The UAS traffic management Malaysia system, officially the ClearPath UAS-TMS, is a national digital infrastructure for managing all drone registrations, flight approvals, and operational monitoring across Malaysian airspace.
CAAM developed the system in response to the rapid growth of drone ownership and commercial operations in Malaysia. By mid-2024, Malaysia had 155,995 registered drone owners, and CAAM identified compliance gaps in the existing manual system. Commercial and recreational drones were also proliferating across restricted areas, government zones, and controlled airspace, which required a more structured, automated management approach.
Datasonic Technologies Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of NexG Berhad, won the ClearPath contract in 2025. Their scope covers both the National Drone Registration System (U1) and the Operational Traffic Management System (U2), forming a comprehensive digital framework for unmanned aircraft operations in Malaysia. In May 2026, Unifly was brought on board to deliver the U2 operational platform, strengthening the technical delivery of the flight management component.
The four-stage framework of UAS traffic management Malaysia
U1: national drone registration
U1 is the foundation of the entire UAS traffic management Malaysia system. Every drone, commercial or recreational, requires registration under U1 before any flight takes place.
Under the new system, when you buy a drone, you must register it with your name before flying.
The U1 stage handles drone registration and owner identification within the national system, replacing the current SIRIM-based registration pathway and creating a single national registry.
For commercial operators, U1 registration creates a persistent digital identity for each aircraft in your fleet. Since every subsequent flight approval and operational record links back to this registered identity, the system builds an auditable flight history that supports compliance documentation.
U2: flight approval and operational management
U2 is the component that most directly changes the day-to-day experience of commercial operators. It handles the flight approval process, the digital equivalent of the current ATF application.
The U2 stage will address the flight approval process. Drone operators will need to request permission via a mobile app before flying their drones. If the drone meets all requirements and is in an unrestricted area, approval will be granted instantly.
This instant approval capability is the most significant operational change for commercial drone operators in Malaysia. Currently, standard ATF applications require at least 14 working days of manual processing. Under U2, low-risk operations in pre-approved unrestricted airspace zones will receive instant digital clearance, dramatically reducing the administrative burden for routine commercial operations.
Complex operations, though, will still require manual review and agency coordination. Flights near airports, in controlled airspace, near government buildings, or in Putrajaya remain subject to manual review. The 14-working-day lead time principle does not disappear for these higher-risk categories.
For a full explanation of the current ATF process, read our ATF permit Malaysia drone guide.
Advanced services and dense area operations (U3)
U3 provides advanced services supporting more complex operations in dense areas, such as conflict detection and automated detect-and-avoid functionality.
This stage serves the more complex end of the commercial drone sector: BVLOS operations, delivery corridors, urban air mobility infrastructure, and high-density operational environments where multiple drones operate simultaneously in close proximity. Since most standard commercial operators, including those working in mapping, inspection, cleaning, and agricultural spraying, work primarily within the U1 and U2 layers, U3 is not an immediate concern for the majority of businesses operating today.
Manned aviation integration (U4)
U4 involves integration with manned aviation and supports high levels of autonomy and connectivity.
This final stage represents the long-term horizon of Malaysia’s drone ecosystem, where UAS operations eventually integrate fully with civil aviation traffic management. CAAM and Futurise are developing this capability under the AAM ConOps initiative. Still, it is not immediately relevant to most current commercial operators.
The multi-agency integration behind UAS traffic management Malaysia
One of the most significant features of the ClearPath system is its multi-agency integration. CAAM is working with the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), SIRIM, the Chief Government Security Office (CGSO), the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM), Sabah’s Chief Minister Department, and the Office of the Premier of Sarawak to streamline the required registration and application processes within the new system.
This integration has a direct practical implication for commercial operators. Currently, approvals from multiple agencies, including CAAM ATF, JUPEM APK, PDRM No Objection, and CGSO clearance, require separate parallel applications to different departments. The UAS traffic management Malaysia system aims to consolidate these touchpoints into a single portal.
When the system is fully operational, the UAS-TMS will remove the need to manage separate applications to JUPEM, PDRM, and CGSO as independent processes. Instead, the U2 portal will route requests to the relevant agencies automatically and return a consolidated approval.
Current status: what is live and what is still coming
This is the question most operators ask. It is important to be clear about where the UAS traffic management Malaysia system stands in mid-2026.
What is confirmed:
- Datasonic Technologies/NexG Berhad holds the ClearPath system integration contract (awarded 2025)
- Unifly confirmed as U2 operational platform provider (May 2026)
- U1 drone registration framework is in development
- New Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) for UAS was targeted for Q4 2025. Monitor CAAM official announcements for current publication status.
What is still in progress:
- The U2 flight approval portal is not yet live for commercial operators as of mid-2026
- The manual email-based ATF process (
drone.atf@caam.gov.my) remains the current operational channel - Full multi-agency integration is a medium-term objective and not yet operational
For now, continue using the current ATF and JUPEM application process for all operations until CAAM officially announces the UAS-TMS portal launch and transition timeline. Do not assume the new system is live until CAAM confirms it publicly on caam.gov.my.
What commercial operators should do now
Register your drones under SIRIM (current requirement)
While U1 is being developed, drones above 0.25kg used for commercial operations should be registered with SIRIM under the current framework. The transition pathway from SIRIM registration to U1 registration will be clarified when CAAM publishes the new CAR.
Keep your RCoC and UAWC current
The UAS traffic management Malaysia system does not change pilot certification requirements. Your RCoC-B and UAWC remain mandatory for commercial operations throughout the transition. Ensure your certifications remain valid and renew them through your approved RPTO before expiry.
Continue filing ATFs under the current process
Until the U2 portal launches officially, all commercial operations require ATF applications submitted by email to CAAM at least 14 working days before each deployment. Do not reduce your lead time in anticipation of instant U2 approval. The current process remains in effect.
Monitor CAAM announcements
The ClearPath UAS-TMS is a live development programme. CAAM publishes updates on caam.gov.my. For commercial operators whose business depends on permit processing timelines, monitoring these announcements directly is essential. LangiTech Aerial also updates our compliance guides as significant regulatory changes occur.
For a full guide to current permit requirements, read our CAAM drone regulations Malaysia guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UAS-TMS in Malaysia live right now?
As of mid-2026, the ClearPath UAS-TMS remains in development. The U2 flight approval portal is not yet live for commercial operators. Datasonic Technologies/NexG Berhad manages system integration and Unifly delivers the operational U2 platform, both confirmed in May 2026. Until further notice, the manual email ATF process through CAAM remains the current operational channel for all commercial drone operators.
Will the UAS-TMS replace the JUPEM APK permit requirement?
The UAS-TMS is designed to eventually consolidate multi-agency approvals, including JUPEM, PDRM, and CGSO, into a single portal. Until the portal is officially live and this consolidation is confirmed, though, operators must continue applying for JUPEM APK permits separately for all aerial data capture operations. Read our JUPEM permit drone Malaysia guide for current requirements.
Does the UAS-TMS affect agricultural drone operations?
Agricultural drone operations will benefit significantly from instant U2 approval once the system launches. Routine farm spraying operations in unrestricted rural airspace are exactly the low-risk category targeted for automated clearance. Agricultural operators still need RCoC-B + Module 2 (AGR) pilot certification and UAWC company certification, though. These operational requirements do not change under the new system.
What is the ClearPath project in Malaysia?
ClearPath is the name of Malaysia’s national UAS Traffic Management System programme. It encompasses U1 (National Drone Registration System) and U2 (Operational Traffic Management System). Datasonic Technologies/NexG Berhad holds the system integration contract, and Unifly delivers the U2 operational UTM platform. The programme aims to create a comprehensive digital framework for all commercial and recreational drone operations across Malaysia’s airspace.
Where things stand
UAS traffic management Malaysia through the ClearPath system represents a fundamental shift in how commercial drone operators register aircraft and obtain flight approvals. The four-stage framework moves from today’s manual email-based ATF process toward instant digital approvals for low-risk operations and automated multi-agency coordination.
While the transition is underway, it is not yet complete. Commercial operators should continue using current ATF and JUPEM processes, keep their certifications current, and monitor CAAM announcements for the official U2 portal launch.
LangiTech Aerial tracks all CAAM regulatory developments and manages full permit compliance for every project we deliver.
For more on current drone permit requirements, read our ATF permit Malaysia drone guide and RCoC drone pilot Malaysia guide.
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