Step Up Random Checks on Flight Crew, Says Former MAS Chief Pilot

PETALING JAYA – More frequent spot checks on flight crew should be carried out as an additional measure to ensure the existing security system is not exploited by irresponsible parties.

Former Malaysia Airlines chief pilot Datuk Captain Nik Ahmad Huzlan Nik Hussain said the current multi-layered security system was adequate and effective, with standard operating procedures (SOP) also in place to safeguard aviation security.

"More frequent spot checks carried out daily could be the last barrier before an aircraft takes off.

"Spot check procedures must be conducted prudently, without embarrassing or inconveniencing crew who are about to perform their duties," he told Utusan Malaysia.

Following the Jakarta arrest

Utusan Malaysia had earlier reported that a team of investigating officers from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would be sent to Indonesia to obtain information on the detention of a Malaysia Airlines Bhd pilot accused of smuggling drugs into the country.

The 39-year-old co-pilot was detained at Terminal 3 of Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, after Indonesian Customs and Excise officers detected suspicious objects in his baggage during an X-ray scan at the international arrival hall.

Further inspection uncovered 14 large packages containing 70,114 ecstasy pills weighing 25.19kg, along with one packet of syabu weighing 2.75g and 0.08g of syabu residue in a glass pipe.

'Gaps still exist'

Nik Ahmad Huzlan said smuggling could still occur when certain parties succeeded in identifying gaps that allowed them to manipulate the system.

"Many smuggling attempts have been intercepted before, but these did not come to the attention of the media.

"Aircrew are usually treated differently from passengers when moving to the aircraft. 'Give Way to Aircrew' is often displayed before entering the scanner.

"However, the level of screening remains the same, with the same scrutiny as all passengers," he said.

He added that as leakages were still occurring, it showed there was still room being exploited for smuggling activities.

"The case involved is not ordinary smuggling because it involves a value of millions of ringgit, and is believed to have been planned with an element of conspiracy to ensure the smuggled assets reached their destination," he said.