Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has confirmed that the Malaysia Airlines pilot detained at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia recently over an alleged attempt to smuggle 25kg of drugs was the second officer seated in the additional cockpit seat during the flight’s departure.
MAG said the individual was acting as an observer and was not the pilot operating the aircraft. The company added that he had also been off duty for two days before his arrest.
The aviation group stressed that the aircraft was operated safely at all times by two qualified pilots assigned to handle the flight. However, it described the individual’s alleged actions as unacceptable and against the professional standards required of its employees.
The suspect, aged 39, was reportedly detained on July 28 at the entrance of Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta Airport after Indonesian customs authorities discovered 15 large packets containing 70,114 capsules believed to be ecstasy and methamphetamine.
Following the incident, MAG announced immediate measures to strengthen safety procedures, including mandatory drug screenings for all Malaysia Airlines pilots. The company said the move goes beyond existing industry practices and aims to reinforce operational readiness.
The first phase of the mandatory screening programme has already begun involving 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots and is expected to be completed by August 15. Pilots who fail to complete the screening within the given period will not be allowed to operate flights until clearance is obtained according to MAG procedures and regulatory requirements.
MAG Group President and Chief Executive Officer Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar said operational safety and crew readiness remained matters that could not be compromised.
He said the company would continue strengthening mandatory drug testing among active pilots, adding that the incident did not represent the professionalism of the majority of MAG employees.
The company also announced that the mandatory drug screening programme would be expanded to cabin crew members as part of wider efforts to enhance aviation safety standards.
MAG said additional strict procedures would also be enforced before every flight, including the use of the IMSAFER self-assessment checklist by pilots to evaluate their physical and mental fitness before carrying out their duties.
The checklist covers areas including illness, medication, stress, alcohol consumption, fatigue, emotional condition and training frequency.
MAG added that it would continue working closely with aviation authorities, enforcement agencies and regulators to strengthen preventive measures and ensure compliance across its operations and the wider aviation industry.
