Malaysia Airlines pilots clear drug tests, cabin crew next

On July 29, a Malaysia Airlines pilot was apprehended at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, carrying 25 kilograms of ecstasy pills and 2.7 grams of methamphetamine. As a consequence, all operational Malaysia Airlines pilots underwent mandatory drug screenings following the incident. Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the airline's parent company, announced that it would commence drug tests for the entire cabin crew of 2,840 employees beginning the following day. The screenings are also underway at Firefly, involving 158 pilots and 163 cabin crew members.

As of now, over half of the screened staff have tested negative for drugs. MAG has committed to conducting random drug tests in the future while collaborating with authorities to curb substance abuse within the company and its subsidiaries. MAG president and group CEO Nasaruddin A Bakar emphasized that safety is the company's top priority, and they will persist in implementing measures to enhance safeguards, uphold operational standards, and preserve passenger and stakeholder confidence.

The incident occurred when the pilot, who allegedly received RM50,000 to smuggle the drugs, tested positive for methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine. However, it is important to note that the suspect was found in the cockpit jump seat and was not part of the flight crew operating the aircraft.