Airlines step up drug, alcohol tests
Malaysian airlines are increasing the frequency of drug and alcohol testing for flight crews following a new directive from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia. Major carriers like AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines have reaffirmed their commitment to existing safety protocols.
Why it matters
Enhanced screening measures are vital for maintaining aviation safety standards and public trust in commercial air travel.
More frequent screenings for flight crew on top of existing protocols
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia-based airlines are stepping up drug and alcohol testing for pilots and cabin crew following a Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) directive requiring all operators to screen active flight crew within 30 days.
Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the airline will be ramping up the frequency of these tests, noting that procedures are already part of their existing protocol.
“At the same time, all crew and engineering ground staff will also go through the full sweep screening,” he said when contacted.
He also said that the drug tests will be carried out under CAAM-approved alcohol and drug testing programmes within 30 days, as per the regulatory body’s safety directive.
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