Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) today opened a Drone Test Site (DTS) here in Medini, the largest in Malaysia and South East Asia. This is in line with the vision of Drone & Robotics Zone Iskandar (DRZ Iskandar) to create the leading drone and robotics eco-system as a growth engine for the region.
DRZ Iskandar aims to create a drone and robotics eco-system in Iskandar Puteri, which would become a growth engine, technology leader and talent hub for Malaysia and APAC. It is projected that DRZ Iskandar will bring in RM351mil investments and generate 1,000 high-value jobs by 2025 in drone and robotics. The development of the DTS will also spur the local economy, benefiting surrounding communities and entrepreneurs.
The DTS was launched by YAB Dato’ Haji Hasni Mohammad, Menteri Besar Johor in Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. The event was also witnessed by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Azmi bin Rohani, Johor State Secretary, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Dr. Haji Badrul Hisham bin Kassim, Chief Executive of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Abdul Rahman bin Salleh, District Officer of Johor Bahru.
Following the launch of DRZ Iskandar back in December 2020, the DTS located in Medini features two sites measuring approximately 25 acres (DTS 1) and 1,700 acres (DTS 2) respectively. DTS 1 caters for “visual line of sight” flights while “beyond visual line of sight” flights, the first of its kind in Malaysia, will be carried out in DTS 2.
Both DTS 1 and DTS 2 are the main components of DRZ Iskandar, recognised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) as a National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS). The aim was to provide a safe and real environment for innovators to test, fly and learn and try out new ways for unmanned aircraft to be integrated into the skies.
Together with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the data gathered by DTS would enable enhancing of regulations towards the development of a robust drone ecosystem. With the opening of DTS, more test flights and Proof of Concepts (PoC) would be taking place at DRZ Iskandar.
