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Agricultural Operations (Agri-Drones)

Agricultural drone operations in Malaysia are governed by CAAM’s CAD 6011 Part II and the applicable Unmanned Aerial Work Certificate (UAWC) pathway. CAAM distinguishes between agricultural surveillance and dispensation activities, as well as private and commercial operations.

The required remote pilot competency and operational approval depend on the work being conducted. Operators should use CAAM’s current UAS portal, CAD 6011 Part II and CAC 01/2025 before starting training or submitting an application.

1. Key Regulations for Agri-Drones (CAD 6011 Part II)

  • Agricultural surveillance or mapping: CAAM states that RCoC-B is acceptable for qualifying VLOS agricultural operations other than dispensation.
  • Commercial agricultural dispensation: The remote pilot requires RCoC-B with Module 2 (AGR), and the operation must satisfy CAD 6011 Part II.
  • Private agricultural dispensation: CAC 01/2025 introduced RCoC-AL for private agricultural UAS works that include dispensation.
  • EVLOS operations: RCoC-B with Module 1 supports applicable extended visual line of sight operations using visual observers, subject to the operational approval.

2. Pilot Competency: RCoC-B, Module 2 and RCoC-AL

There is no single certificate that applies to every agricultural drone operation. Commercial agricultural dispensation requires RCoC-B with Module 2 (AGR). RCoC-AL is the CAAM competency introduced for private agricultural UAS works involving dispensation.

The minimum age for RCoC-B, its additional modules and RCoC-AL is 18. Training and assessment should be completed through a CAAM-approved RPTO. See the drone pilot license Malaysia guide for the current certificate and module structure.

3. Agricultural UAWC and Private Operations

CAAM uses the Agricultural UAS Operations UAWC pathway for agricultural activities covered by CAD 6011 Part II. Commercial operators and other applicants must follow the certification and application requirements published by CAAM.

  • Commercial UAWC: CAAM requires the operator to ensure that the remote pilot holds RCoC-B with Module 2 for agricultural dispensation work.
  • Private operation on the operator’s own land: CAAM’s FAQ states that an operator holding the required competency may use the declaration process described by CAAM for qualifying private agricultural operations.
  • Current forms and manuals: Use the latest UAWC application material, operational manuals, remote pilot currency records and supporting information requested under CAD 6011 Part II.

4. Before Starting an Agricultural Drone Operation

Before purchasing training or scheduling agricultural drone work, identify the exact activity and confirm the applicable CAAM pathway:

  1. Determine whether the work is surveillance, mapping or dispensation.
  2. Determine whether the agricultural operation is private or commercial.
  3. Confirm whether the remote pilot needs RCoC-B, Module 1, Module 2 or RCoC-AL.
  4. Use a CAAM-approved RPTO for required training and assessment.
  5. Apply for the applicable UAWC approval or declaration using CAAM’s current forms and instructions.

5. Official CAAM Resources