Drone filming at events in Sabah: what to plan

If your event is in Sabah, drone filming needs one more layer of approval than the standard process. Start early, settle the venue’s rules first, and plan ground coverage for the same shots as a backup.

What is different in Sabah

CAAM’s public drone guidance says standard applications should be made at least 14 working days before the activity. It also says additional authorisation applies in Sabah and Sarawak. That is the main difference.

The requirements can change, so we check the current position for your date and location before we quote. Our drone footage service covers this check for each event.

Questions to settle first

1. Where exactly is the event? A hotel ballroom, a field, a beach or a venue such as the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu each carry different conditions. Give us the address or a pin.
2. What does the venue allow? Ask the venue manager about flying on or near the grounds, and whether they need to be told.
3. Which shots do you want? Name them. A short list is easier to plan and to approve than a general wish.
4. Who applies? Agree in the quote who files the application and who is responsible for it.
5. When do you need to know? Ask for a date by which approval is confirmed, so you are not waiting on the day.

What to send us

A pin of the exact location, the date and one sentence per shot is enough to start. If you have a run sheet, add it so we can look for a quiet window for a flight. If you have already spoken to the venue, forward what they said. Send it by WhatsApp and we will reply with what to check next.

Think about distance and logistics

A remote venue means more travel time. Tell us the venue and date, and we confirm the crew and travel. If you plan a multi-site trip, our outstation filming budget worksheet helps you see what moves the total.

For island, coastal or hill sites, ask early about access, weather and the time of day. A flight that works in the morning may not work in the afternoon.

Plan the ground backup

Whether or not approval comes, we plan a ground version of each aerial shot.

This way the film does not rely on one flight. If the drone flies, you get an extra shot. If it does not, the film is still complete.

A simple order of steps

1. Tell us the date, the exact place and the shots you want.
2. We check the current Sabah requirements and the venue’s rules.
3. We agree with you, in the quote, who applies and what replaces the drone if it cannot fly.
4. Approval is applied for, with the shot list and the place.
5. Before the event, we review the weather and any change at the venue.

What we confirm for your event

• The current Sabah requirements for your date.
• What happens to the quote if approval is refused.
• What the ground backup covers.

Read the overview of what to confirm for drone footage, or the drone coverage planning checklist. If your event is in Sarawak instead, read the Sarawak guide.