Malaysia Airlines Pilots Clear Drug Tests, Cabin Crew Screening Next
All Malaysia Airlines pilots tested negative for drugs after a mandatory screening. Cabin crew screening begins August 18.
Malaysia Airlines has completed mandatory drug screening for all its pilots, with every test returning negative, according to parent company Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG). The screening was ordered after a pilot was arrested in Indonesia on drug trafficking charges.
The pilot was detained on July 28 after authorities in Jakarta found 26 kilograms of MDMA in his luggage. Customs officials also reported that urine tests showed the pilot had used cocaine and methamphetamines.
MAG said it will now move to the next phase of its screening programme, testing approximately 2,840 cabin crew members starting August 18, with completion expected by September 3. The company also reported that more than half of Firefly's 158 pilots and 163 cabin crew have been screened so far, with all results negative. Firefly is on track to complete screening for all remaining staff by August 25.
MAG operates Malaysia Airlines, regional carrier Firefly, and Haj pilgrimage airline Amal. Group CEO Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar called the completion of the pilot screening an important milestone, adding that the company is extending screening across other operational groups to ensure consistent standards. "Safety remains at the core of every decision we make," he said, noting the company will continue strengthening safeguards and maintaining passenger confidence.