PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in Jakarta was not flying the aircraft and was travelling in the cockpit jump seat as an observer, says Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).
The group said the individual, a Second Officer, had also been off duty for two days before the incident.
“The aircraft was operated safely at all times by two qualified operating pilots,” the group said in a statement on Friday (Aug 7).
It said the individual’s actions were unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of its personnel.
“MAG views the actions of the individual as completely unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of its personnel,” the group said.
Previously, the media reported that a 39-year-old pilot was detained by Indonesian authorities at Terminal 3, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after being accused of attempting to smuggle 25kg of drugs.
According to Indonesian authorities, the inspection found 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules, estimated to be worth RM45mil based on the Indonesian market price.
Officers also seized a small bottle containing urine, which investigators suspect was intended to falsify the results of a urine drug test if one was requested during the inspection.
The suspect also tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine.
