Malaysia is exploring the potential of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as drones for the country’s postal and parcel delivery industry.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) digital ecosystem chief Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus said developed countries such as Japan, USA and Singapore have initiated pilot studies on the viability of UAVs.

The drones can deliver a maximum load of one kilogram, to a distance of 10 kilometres, he said during a network session between MCMC and the Association of Malaysian Express Carriers (AMEC) in Cyberjaya today.

Sharing his experience on the pilot study carried out by Swiss Post in Switzerland which has to cope with the four seasons, he said the company was confident it could implement the new system next July.

He said local industry players particularly AMEC should discuss with the government on the feasibility of using drones as a new delivery system.

“MCMC as the monitoring agency is prepared to bring the relevant agencies including the Civil Aviation Department to study the use of drones in postal and parcel delivery,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Ali said MCMC would lead discussions on drawing up a safety guideline soon to counter potential terrorist threats affecting the postal and delivery industry.

“With the safety guideline we hope to have more comprehensive programmes to ensure the safety of workers and assets of industry players,” he said.

On the case of the white powder which was delivered to the office of the health minister through poslaju last month, he said the incident must be viewed seriously.

Police have since confirmed that the powder was actually Vitamin C.

- Bernama