PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) has begun mandatory drug screening for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots as part of tightened safety and fitness-for-duty measures.
This comes following the arrest of one of its pilots in Jakarta after drugs were allegedly found on him.
In a statement yesterday, the group said the first phase of screening is expected to be completed by Aug 15.
“MAG is strengthening its safety and fitness-for-duty framework with enhanced drug screening measures across its airlines.
“As an immediate step, the group has commenced mandatory drug screening for all Malaysia Airlines pilots and will conduct stricter screening for all active pilots, beyond industry practice.
“This swift response reflects the high level of concern with which MAG views the recent incident involving the detention of its pilot, as the Group maintains zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.”
MAG president and group chief executive officer Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar said operational safety and crew fitness for duty are non-negotiable.
“We take any breach of our safety standards seriously and have acted swiftly to enhance mandatory drug screening across our active pilots.
“While this isolated incident does not reflect the professionalism of the overwhelming majority of our employees, we will continue strengthening our safeguards to maintain the confidence of our passengers and stakeholders.”
According to the statement, pilots who do not complete the screening by Aug 15 will not operate flights until they have been cleared in accordance with MAG’s procedures and regulatory requirements.
The group said it will also introduce mandatory drug screening for all active pilots across its airlines, in addition to its existing random testing programme.
The screening programme will later be expanded to active cabin crew.
MAG also said its existing fitness-for-duty measures include pre-employment screening, Class 1 medical certification for pilots, recurrent training, mandatory pre-flight compliance checks and periodic alcohol and drug testing.
MAG said the pilot detained in Jakarta was not flying the aircraft and was travelling in the cockpit jump seat as an observer. 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,” it added.
It said the individual’s actions were unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of its personnel.
