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Malaysia Airlines orders drug tests for all pilots
Malaysia Aviation Group has begun mandatory drug screening for its 1,260 pilots after a Malaysia Airlines pilot was arrested in Indonesia over alleged drug trafficking. The first phase must be completed by…
The Story in Brief
Malaysia Aviation Group has begun mandatory drug screening for its 1,260 pilots after a Malaysia Airlines pilot was arrested in Indonesia over alleged drug trafficking. The first phase must be completed by August 15. Pilots who miss the deadline cannot operate flights until cleared under company and regulatory procedures. The tests add to MAG’s existing random testing programme and will also cover active cabin crew members.
Indonesian officials allege that the 39-year-old Malaysian pilot carried 26 kilograms of MDMA from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta. Urine tests reportedly detected cocaine and methamphetamines. MAG said he was an off-duty second officer travelling in a cockpit jump seat, not operating the aircraft. Malaysian authorities also plan tighter airport checks, including police deployment at some checkpoints.
The Indian Opinion
The incident does not justify claims that Malaysia Airlines’ entire pilot pool is unsafe, nor does one arrest prove that existing checks were adequate. The key issue is whether the new testing reaches cabin crew, airport contractors and security hand-offs, rather than becoming a public-relations exercise focused on pilots alone. The August 15 deadline is an immediate test, but the stronger measure will be whether investigators explain how 26 kilograms of MDMA passed through Kuala Lumpur airport.
Source: livemint.com
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