Malaysia Aviation Group rolls out stricter drug testing after pilot detained
Sign up now: Get insights on the biggest stories in Malaysia
The group said it has commenced the first phase of mandatory drug screening, beginning with 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots, with testing to be completed by Aug 15.
PHOTO: ST FILE
- Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has introduced mandatory drug testing for all pilots after a Malaysia Airlines pilot was arrested in Indonesia for drug trafficking.
- The detained pilot was found with 26kg of MDMA and tested positive for cocaine and methamphetamines.
- MAG is conducting drug screening for 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots by Aug 15 and will extend testing to all active pilots and cabin crew.
AI generated
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said on Aug 6 that it has ordered mandatory drug testing and will conduct stricter screening for all pilots across its airlines, following the arrest of a Malaysia Airlines pilot for alleged trafficking in Indonesia in July.
The unidentified pilot, 39, was detained on July 28 after the authorities found 26kg of the mind-altering drug MDMA, which is commonly known as Ecstasy, in his luggage upon his arrival in Jakarta from Kuala Lumpur.
Urine tests also showed that the Malaysian Airlines pilot had been under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamines, the customs office said.
In a statement on Aug 7, MAG said it has commenced the first phase of mandatory drug screening, beginning with 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots, with testing to be completed by Aug 15.
“Pilots who do not complete the screening by the stipulated date will not operate flights until they have been cleared in accordance with MAG’s procedures and regulatory requirements,” it said.
The mandatory screening will complement its existing random testing programme and will be extended to all active pilots and cabin crew, the company said.
In addition to Malaysia Airlines, MAG also operates short-haul carrier Firefly, and Haj pilgrimage airline Amal.
MAG said the pilot detained in Indonesia was an off-duty second officer travelling in the cockpit jump seat as an observer and was not the pilot flying the aircraft.
It added that it viewed the pilot’s actions as “completely unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of its personnel”.
Indonesia has strict drug laws and in 2015 executed two Australians in the Bali Nine drug ring for attempting to smuggle heroin out of the resort island of Bali. REUTERS
