Malaysian Airlines pilots clear drug checks, cabin crew to be tested next

A Malaysia Airlines pilot was detained on July 28 after authorities found 26kg of MDMA in his luggage

On July 28, a Malaysia Airlines pilot was detained at Jakarta's airport after customs officials discovered 26 kilograms of MDMA in his luggage. The pilot had arrived from Kuala Lumpur earlier that day, and further tests revealed he was under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamines. The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which operates Malaysia Airlines, promptly initiated a mandatory drug screening process for all of its pilots.

Subsequent tests found that every pilot working for the carrier tested negative for drugs. Following this successful screening, MAG announced that it will now proceed to test its cabin crew, beginning on August 18 and concluding by September 3. This first phase of the drug testing program for cabin crew involves about 2,840 Malaysia Airlines employees.

MAG's president and CEO, Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar, emphasized that this milestone is just the beginning of their commitment to rigorous safety standards. He stated that the company will continue to screen other operational groups to maintain consistent safety protocols across its airlines. MAG also reported that over half of Firefly's 158 pilots and 163 cabin crew have already been screened, with all results so far being negative.

The short-haul carrier is on track to complete the screening process for all its remaining personnel by August 25.

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