Ex-MAS captain questions airport security lapses after drug bust
A former Malaysia Airlines captain is questioning airport security protocols following the arrest of a pilot in Indonesia for alleged drug smuggling. He argues that the presence of illicit substances suggests potential lapses in X-ray screening and baggage inspection procedures.
Why it matters
The incident highlights vulnerabilities in aviation security and the potential for internal threats within airline operations.
PETALING JAYA: A former Malaysia Airlines (MAS) senior pilot has questioned whether lapses in airport security screening allowed a crew member to allegedly smuggle drugs, following the recent arrest of a pilot in Indonesia.
Former MAS director of flight operations Capt Mohd Kamil Abu Bakar said the incident highlighted potential weaknesses in airport security procedures that warrant a thorough investigation.
He noted that the crew member’s checked baggage would have undergone X-ray screening after check-in, while all flight crew were also required to pass through security screening with their hand-carried items before boarding.
“So far, it appears he cleared all security checks, yet a small bottle of urine and a packet of powdery substance were not detected.
“It was reported that the Second Officer arrested was found to have a clean urine sample in a small bottle when checked in Jakarta.
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