AADK proposes monthly random urine tests for pilots, flight crew

The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) has proposed that pilots and flight crew undergo random urine tests monthly to combat drug abuse in the aviation sector. Director-General Ruslin Jusoh discussed the proposal with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), expressing hope for a memorandum of understanding in the coming month. MAG currently has panel hospitals, clinics, and trained doctors to conduct urine tests, but AADK believes random testing could increase frequency.

The ongoing screening of approximately 1,000 pilots is expected to conclude on September 15, with all screened pilots currently testing negative. Recent arrests include a Malaysia Airlines pilot found with drugs at an Indonesian airport, as well as another pilot connected to a drug smuggling syndicate. MAG reported that 98.8% of cabin crew had been screened and tested negative as of September 4.