The FAA downgraded the safety rating of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) from Category 1 to 2, saying that the CAAM is "deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record-keeping, and/or inspection procedures."
With a Category 2 rating, Malaysia's carriers can continue existing service to the United States but will not be allowed to establish new service to the United States, the FAA said in a statement.
The FAA said it made the decision based on an in-country reassessment in April and the assessment was not targeted at any individual airline operating inside or outside of Malaysia.
The CAAM, which have enjoyed Category 1 status since 2003, said in a statement that it "regrets" the U.S. decision, which is "unilateral in nature."
"CAAM has requested the FAA to conduct a reassessment within the next 12 months with the intention of having its Category 1 status restored," it said.
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