KUALA LUMPUR: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has introduced stricter regulatory measures to strengthen fitness-for-duty requirements and prevent alcohol and drug misuse among aviation personnel performing safety-critical functions.
CAAM chief executive officer Captain Datuk Norazman Mahmud said the measures were part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard the safety, security and integrity of Malaysia's civil aviation system.
"Under Safety Directive 02/2026 – Strengthening Fitness-for-Duty and Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Misuse, issued on Aug 7, Malaysian airline operators are required to conduct drug testing on 100% of active flight crew and cabin crew within the prescribed implementation period.
"Operators must also increase unannounced random alcohol and drug testing, carry out immediate testing where there are reasonable grounds to suspect impairment, and review recruitment, background verification and recurrent screening processes for personnel holding security passes," he said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 20).
He said operators are also required to comprehensively review their Alcohol and Drug Testing Programme, conduct safety risk assessments related to alcohol and drug misuse, and submit declarations of compliance, testing results and corrective action plans to the authority.
"The regulator will enhance its oversight through risk-based surveillance, unannounced inspections and focused audits on the implementation of alcohol and drug testing requirements.
"It will also verify testing records and may require additional testing if safety concerns are identified," he added.
The measures reflected the authority's proactive approach to addressing emerging risks and strengthening safeguards across the aviation sector, he said.
“Safety-critical personnel carry a significant responsibility in ensuring the safety of every flight.
“CAAM therefore expects the highest standards of fitness, professionalism and accountability from all personnel entrusted with these responsibilities,” he said.
He added that the measures would strengthen detection and compliance while reinforcing a culture where fitness-for-duty remained a fundamental component of aviation safety.
"The regulatory measures were also aligned with the government's broader efforts to strengthen security controls, screening and risk management at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other international entry points.
"These include enhanced risk-based screening involving passengers, crew and baggage, stronger vetting and access controls for aviation and airport personnel, as well as enhanced pre-employment, periodic and random drug screening for pilots, cabin crew and related personnel," he said.
CAAM would continue working closely with the Transport Ministry, Home Ministry and other relevant agencies to support implementation of the measures within its regulatory purview, he said.
"We would exercise our statutory enforcement powers in accordance with applicable laws and regulations if regulatory breaches were identified," he said.
