Drug testing vital in high-risk sectors
Experts in Malaysia are calling for the implementation of risk-based drug testing frameworks across high-risk industries, such as trucking and aviation. This follows concerns regarding public safety and the potential for impairment in critical roles.
Why it matters
Expanding drug testing protocols in high-stakes sectors is a growing debate regarding the balance between employee privacy rights and public safety requirements.
‘It should be part of occupational risk management’
PETALING JAYA: Stringent drug testing should not be a requirement only for the aviation industry but also for other high-risk sectors.
While employers say that the deed of beating a drug test by faking the specimen is not prevalent in Malaysia, an employee who had been found guilty of doing so can face dismissal.
One such high-risk industry that carries out strict tests is the trucking industry.
Malaysia Trucking Federation president Datuk Ng Koong Sinn said drug and alcohol tests for potential new drivers are carried out without any prior information being relayed.
“We just call them up and get them to the clinic for the tests.
“For existing drivers, companies will select 10% of their pool and conduct random tests as well,” he said, adding that this ensures test results are not tampered with.
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