Mandatory drug screening for MAS pilots completed, all results negative, says MAG

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has successfully completed a mandatory drug screening program for all its pilots, reporting that every test returned negative. This initiative is part of the group's enhanced safety and fitness-for-duty measures across its operations.

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Safety remains at the core of every decision we make, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to strengthen our safeguards, uphold operational standards and maintain the confidence of our passengers and stakeholders.

With the pilot screening concluded ahead of the August 15 timeline, MAG is now proceeding to the next phase of the program. This phase involves approximately 2,840 Malaysia Airlines cabin crew members, with screening set to begin on August 18 and expected to be completed by September 3. The group reiterated that safety is paramount in all its decisions and that it will continue to strengthen safeguards and uphold operational standards.

The mandatory screening for pilots, which included all 1,260 operationally active pilots, was announced following an incident in late July where a pilot was detained in Indonesia after drugs were found in his possession. MAG is also extending the screening to its sister airline, Firefly, covering both pilots and cabin crew. Firefly has screened over half of its staff and is on track to complete the process by August 25, ahead of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia's September 5 deadline.

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Following the completion of the pilots screening exercise, with 100 per cent of its operationally active pilots screened and all results returning negative, MAG will proceed with the next phase of the programme involving approximately 2,840 Malaysia Airlines cabin crew.

MAG also highlighted its ongoing commitment to preventing substance misuse through continuous random testing and collaboration with authorities. These measures complement existing fitness-for-duty frameworks, including pre-employment screening, medical certifications, recurrent training, and mandatory pre-flight checks. The group aims to maintain rigorous safety and professional standards for its employees and passengers.

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MAG remains committed to maintaining rigorous safety and professional standards across its airlines and will continue to strengthen preventive measures to safeguard the well-being of its employees, passengers, and operations.