Malaysia Airlines parent orders mandatory drug testing for pilots after arrest

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has mandated mandatory drug testing and enhanced screening for all pilots across its airlines in the wake of a Malaysia Airlines pilot's arrest for alleged drug trafficking in Indonesia. The pilot, 39 years old, was apprehended on July 28 when authorities discovered 26kg of MDMA in his luggage following his arrival in Jakarta from Kuala Lumpur.

The customs office further revealed that the pilot had traces of cocaine and methamphetamine in his urine tests. MAG has initiated the first phase of the mandatory drug screening, targeting 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots, with the process expected to conclude by August 15. Those who fail to complete the screening by the set date will be barred from operating flights until they clear MAG's procedures and regulatory requirements.

The mandatory testing will bolster the company's existing random testing program and will soon encompass all active pilots and cabin crew. MAG, which operates Malaysia Airlines, short-haul carrier Firefly, and haj pilgrimage airline Amal, decried the pilot's actions as "completely unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of its personnel."