Malaysian pilot arrested in Indonesia for meth use

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PETALING JAYA: Indonesian authorities have detained a Malaysian pilot for consuming methamphetamines on Saturday (Dec 30).

Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) picked up the Malaysian during a random inspection at Batam’s Hang Nadim International Airport, where he tested positive for methamphetamines.

“He is in custody at the BNN Riau Islands office,” the agency’s head Richard Nainggolan was quoted as saying by Indonesian portal antaranews.com.

The agency had confiscated 1.9 grams of methamphetamines, a meth pipe, and a piece of aluminium foil, which is believed to belong to the pilot.

When contacted on Sunday (Dec 31), the Malaysian airline confirmed the arrest of its pilot and said that an investigation is being carried out.

“We are aware that one of our pilots is detained in Batam for drug issues. Investigations are underway on this,” said an airline spokesperson.

The spokesperson stressed that the airline does not condone drug abuse, and said that stern action will be taken against its employees found to be involved in drug abuse.

“Any employee who is found guilty will have their employment terminated and will be surrendered to the relevant authorities,” said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson added that frequent drug tests will continue to be conducted on pilots and cabin crew to ensure that they are medically fit to perform their duty at all times.