The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has denied claims it is in the process of testing a 'DA424M-NG Diamond' plane worth RM35 million allegedly purchased by the Sarawak Forestry Department. 

Mavcom commenting on yesterday's media reports concerning a police report made against the state Forestry Department over its alleged purchase of the plane.

"We would like to categorically state that this is incorrect. 

"Mavcom has not had any communications with the Sarawak Forestry Department and is not responsible for the technical testing of aircraft as stated in these news reports," it said in a statement.

Sarawak PKR vice-chairperson See Chee How (below) had yesterday lodged a police report in Kuching against the state government for its alleged purchase of a ‘DA424M-NG Diamond’ plane worth RM35 million.

The Batu Lintang assemblyperson said he was prompted to lodge the report after reading an article titled “Forest Department Sarawak, will be able to fly soon” in an online portal called the Dayak Daily on Friday.

The Dayak Daily quoted Sarawak Forestry Department acting director Hamden Mohammad as stating the plane was undergoing testing by Mavcom, "in line with the stringent standard operating procedure (SOP)."

See also claimed the purchase of the fixed-wing four-seater plane was bought using Natural Resources and Environment Ministry allocation and that it would be parked under the state Forestry Department.

In its statement today, Mavcom, meanwhile, pointed out that technical regulations for general aviation falls under the Civil Aviation Act 1969 which was not within its purview.

Instead, it stated that was an independent body that regulates economic and commercial matters relating to civil aviation.

It also stated Mavcom's goal was to promote a commercially viable, consumer-oriented and resilient aviation industry that supports the nation’s economic growth.