PETALING JAYA: Safe and seamless processes for those entering the country are imperative, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
At a courtesy call on Wednesday (March 23), the Transport minister said that the matter was raised during a meeting with International Civil Aviation Organization President Salvatore Sciacchitano and ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar during the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission XXIV (Lacac) Ordinary Assembly in Uruguay.
“I suggested to the President that as the tourism sector contributes a large percentage of many countries’ GDP – 15.7% in Malaysia’s case – it is imperative to simplify passenger arrival health protocols to allow for safe and seamless entry, and a standardised ICAO procedure for member states to follow is greatly needed.
“As decarbonisation in the aviation sector is a main agenda during this Lacac Assembly, I assured President Sciacchitano that Malaysia will support a firm decision on long term reduction in CO2 and introducing a higher usage of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). ICAO has commended Malaysia’s extensive efforts and research into using palm oil in SAF and we will continue to do so,” he said.
Wee added that long-term decarbonisation plans would allow member states like Malaysia to help the private sector plan future investments.
“I also informed the President that the Transport Ministry will contribute USD50,000 (RM210,824.93) to the ICAO Resource Mobilisation Fund which works to improve the safety of civil aviation globally. Additionally, the Ministry will also provide a monetary contribution of USD150,000 (RM632,474.80) to the ICAO Voluntary Funds which channels assistance to developing nations to improve green aviation and related initiatives,” he said.