MAG makes drug screening mandatory for all pilots, first 1,260 by Aug 15

PETALING JAYA – Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has made urine screening mandatory for all pilots under its airlines to strengthen safety and fitness-for-duty standards across all crew.

MAG group managing director and chief executive officer Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar said the first phase of the screening involves 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots and is expected to be completed by Aug 15.

He said any pilot who does not complete the screening before the set date will not be allowed to operate flights until certified fit in line with MAG's procedures and regulatory requirements.

"Before every flight, operating pilots must also complete an IMSAFER assessment to evaluate their physical and mental readiness for duty.

"The assessment incorporates Threat and Error Management (TEM) principles to identify and manage operational risks," he said in a statement here today.

Built on existing fitness checks

Nasaruddin said the enhanced measure builds on MAG's existing fitness assessments, which cover pre-employment checks, Class 1 medical certification for pilots, recurrent training as well as periodic drug and alcohol testing.

"Operational safety and the fitness of crew on duty cannot be compromised," he said.

"While this isolated incident does not reflect the professionalism of the majority of our employees, we will continue to strengthen safeguards to maintain the confidence of passengers and stakeholders," he added.