Malaysia Aviation Group has ordered mandatory drug screening for 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots after an off-duty second officer was detained in Indonesia last month on alleged drug-trafficking charges.
Testing Required By Aug. 15
The first phase of testing is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 15, according to a Friday statement from MAG reported by Reuters. The company said the mandatory screening will supplement its existing random drug-testing program and eventually expand to all active pilots and cabin crew across the group. MAG also operates short-haul carrier Firefly and pilgrimage airline Amal.
“Pilots who do not complete the screening by the stipulated date will not operate flights until they have been cleared in accordance with MAG’s procedures and regulatory requirements,” the company said in its statement.
Pilot Detained In Jakarta
Indonesian authorities detained the unidentified 39-year-old pilot on July 28 after finding 26 kilograms of MDMA in his luggage following his arrival in Jakarta from Kuala Lumpur. The customs office said subsequent urine testing showed cocaine and methamphetamine use.
MAG said the second officer was off duty and traveling in the cockpit jump seat during the flight to Jakarta. The company described the alleged conduct as “completely unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of its personnel.”