Anthony Loke: Steps taken to strengthen checks on aviation personnel including pilots and cabin crew

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — In response to concerns over security within the aviation industry, the Malaysian government is taking measures to enhance scrutiny on pilots, cabin crew, and other aviation personnel. This comes after a Malaysia Airlines pilot was implicated in an international drug trafficking ring. Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized that the Ministry of Transport (MOT) does not have access to the specifics of the ongoing police investigation, as the matter is being treated as a criminal case.

Loke stressed that the MOT is prepared to collaborate fully with the police, providing necessary information, access to facilities, and personnel required for the investigation. The case began when the 39-year-old co-pilot was arrested in Jakarta last July, suspected of attempting to smuggle 25 kilogrammes of drugs. Subsequently, police arrested six local men linked to the syndicate.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is supporting Malaysia as an alternate airport for flights originally bound for Jakarta due to volcanic ash disruptions.