No RM35 million Diamond aircraft tested, says Mavcom

The aviation authority reacts to a claim by PKR on the purchase of a sophisticated four-seater plane for use by a Sarawak state agency.

A file pic of a Diamond surveillance aircraft. (Diamond Aircraft pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has denied reports that it was involved in testing a Diamond special mission aircraft worth RM35 million for use by the Sarawak Forestry Department.

It said it had not had any communication with the department and was not responsible for the technical testing of aircraft as stated in the news reports.

“Mavcom’s goal is to promote a commercially viable, consumer-oriented and resilient aviation industry that supports the nation’s economic growth. Technical regulations for general aviation falls under the Civil Aviation Act 1969 which is not within MAVCOM’s purview,” it said in a statement to FMT.

Yesterday, PKR’s Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How lodged a report with Kuching police, urging for an investigation into the state’s purchase of the sophisticated special mission DA424M-NG Diamond aircraft priced at RM35 million.

It was reported that the plane was undergoing testing by Mavcom and would be able to fly soon.

See questioned the purchase of the four-seater plane said to be bought using money from the federal Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

It was reported last year that the aircraft was purchased under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) under the federal ministry. -FMT