AADK proposes random monthly urine tests for pilots and cabin crew, with an MoU with Malaysia Aviation Group expected next month.
BACHOK: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) has proposed random urine tests for pilots and flight crews to be conducted at least once a month as a measure to strengthen drug abuse prevention efforts in the aviation sector.
AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the proposal will be discussed through closer cooperation between AADK and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), including via a memorandum of understanding (MoU) expected to be signed next month.
“We have had cooperation before, but it was periodic. Perhaps this time we can increase the frequency and the proposal is that we can do it randomly once a month.
“If there is a need, we can also shorten the period further for certain cases,” he told reporters during a press conference after conducting a strategic visit to the Bachok Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) today.
Ruslin said MAG currently has its own panel hospitals and clinics as well as trained doctors to conduct urine tests, but AADK sees the need to implement random testing as an additional measure.
He said the proposal involves not only pilots, but also flight crew members.
“Among them is to provide space for both parties, namely MAG and AADK, to cooperate in prevention programmes as well as urine testing,” he said.
Regarding the screening currently being conducted on pilots, Ruslin said it is expected to be completed by Sept 15, and based on reports received by his agency, all pilots who have undergone the test tested negative.
He said over 1,000 pilots are involved in the screening.
Meanwhile, Ruslin said both parties are currently finalising the draft MoU and hope it can be signed next October.
