Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has introduced mandatory drug screening for all pilots across its airlines following the arrest of a Malaysia Airlines pilot over alleged drug trafficking in Indonesia recently.
The move comes after a 39-year-old Malaysia Airlines pilot was detained in Jakarta on July 28 after Indonesian authorities allegedly discovered 26kg of MDMA in his luggage upon his arrival from Kuala Lumpur. Customs officials also claimed urine tests returned positive for cocaine and methamphetamine.
Pilots who fail the test will not operate flights
In a statement issued on Friday (7 August), MAG said it has already begun the first phase of compulsory drug testing, starting with 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots, and that all screenings are expected to be completed by 15 August. The group added that any pilot who fails to undergo the mandatory screening by the deadline will not be allowed to operate flights until they have been cleared in accordance with MAG’s procedures and regulatory requirements.
MAG said the new requirement will strengthen its existing random drug testing programme and will eventually be expanded to cover all active pilots and cabin crew across its airlines.
The detained pilot was not flying the aircraft before his detention at Jakarta airport
The Group also clarified that the pilot arrested in Indonesia was off duty at the time of the incident and was travelling in the cockpit jump seat as an observer, not as the operating pilot. Describing the alleged conduct as “completely unacceptable”, MAG said the individual’s actions were in direct conflict with the high professional standards expected of its employees.
“The aircraft was operated safely at all times by two qualified operating pilots.”
“MAG views the actions of the individual as completely unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of its personnel.”
Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of MAG, said that operational safety and crew fitness for duty are non-negotiable at MAG.
“We take any breach of our safety standards seriously and have acted swiftly to enhance mandatory drug screening across our active pilots.”
MAG also said that it will continue working closely with aviation, enforcement, and regulatory authorities to implement recommendations and strengthen preventive measures.
