He said the ATCC not only provided air traffic service operations for the entire Peninsular Malaysia airspace, but was also the site of the search and rescue centre and the joint airspace management coordination centre.
“This integrated control centre will enhance the country’s capacity and preparedness to face challenging aviation situations and support a brighter future for the next generation,” he said when opening the ATCC here today.
On Sept 1, transport minister Wee Ka Siong said the relocation of the ATCC’s operations to Sepang from Subang saw the restructuring of the country’s airspace from seven to 14 sectors.
The ATCC, which is housed in a building inspired by a traditional “wau” design, is also the location for the Kuala Lumpur air flight information (KL FIR) operations centre, the backbone to the country’s air traffic control functions, and the aeronautical search and rescue (SAR) coordination centre.
Lauding the relocation of the ATCC, Ismail said the project was approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan with an allocation of RM650.4 million following the rapid development of the civil aviation industry and the desire to strengthen the country’s airspace management and monitoring.
He described the move to relocate ATCC from Subang to Sepang as timely, as the country forged ahead to revive its economy.
He said although the civil aviation industry was hit hard due to the pandemic which caused the closure of international borders, the trend showed the sector was expected to recover by 2025.
“I have high hopes that the reopening of our borders will boost the civil aviation sector and have a positive impact on the country’s economy.”
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