PETALING JAYA: The move to introduce mandatory drug screening for Malaysia Airlines pilots should be extended to all airlines in the country to prevent a repeat of such incidents, says the Malaysian Pilots Association (MPA).
Association president Capt Ab Manan Mansor said mandatory testing was long overdue given the critical responsibilities carried by flight crews.
“Flying an aircraft is a highly hazardous job. One mistake can be fatal.
“When someone is involved in operating an aircraft, we must do this and test not only for drugs but also alcohol use,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Capt Ab Manan said it is equally important for cabin crew to be screened for drugs and alcohol use as well as they also act as safety officers on a passenger aircraft.
“They are responsible for the safety of 300 to 400 passengers. Without the minimum number of cabin crew members, an aircraft cannot take off.”
He said implementing the move with random drug screening would help minimise risks and prevent similar incidents.
Capt Ab Manan was commenting on Malaysian Aviation Group’s (MAG) decision to introduce mandatory drug screening for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots following the arrest of one of its pilots in Jakarta after drugs were allegedly found in his possession.
MAG said the first phase of screening is expected to be completed by Aug 15. Pilots who fail to complete their screening will not operate flights until they have been cleared in accordance with MAG’s procedures and regulatory requirements.
The screening programme will later be expanded to active cabin crew.
Aside from drugs and alcohol, Capt Ab Manan proposed broader fitness-for-duty assessments covering physical and mental health for pilots.
“Before every flight, medical personnel should test pilots and cabin crew to ensure they are physically and mentally fit to operate.
“Those with a fever or high blood pressure should not be allowed to fly.”
He added that airlines should strengthen counselling and mental health support, noting that prolonged periods away from family and the demands of the job could take a psychological toll on crew members.
“There should be better support and counselling from the airlines to ensure that staff are cared for so that they can perform their job to their best abilities.”
Meanwhile, Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya called for a thorough investigation into security procedures at Kota Kinabalu International Airport following the arrest of three women in Jakarta for allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs.
He said the case raised serious questions about how the passengers had managed to clear multiple layers of airport security.
“When passengers enter the checkpoint, they undergo body scans and, at times, pat-down inspections. For international flights, they are screened again before boarding,” he said.
On Monday, Indonesian authorities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport arrested three women who allegedly attempted to smuggle drugs concealed in their luggage and shoes after arriving on a flight from Kota Kinabalu on Aug 3.
The passengers were found with cocaine, MDMA or ecstasy, and tobacco filled with ketamine.
