00:01The Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in Jakarta was not operating the aircraft and was travelling
00:07in the cockpit jump seat as an observer, says Malaysia Aviation Group or MAG.
00:13In a statement on Friday, the group said the individual, a second officer, had been off
00:18duty for two days before the incident, adding that the flight was safely operated at all
00:23times by two qualified pilots.
00:25MAG described the individual's actions as completely unacceptable and said they were
00:33contrary to the professional standards expected of its personnel.
00:37Previously, media reports said a 39-year-old pilot was detained by Indonesian authorities
00:43at Terminal 3 of Suikarno-Hatta International Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle
00:5025 kilograms of drugs. According to Indonesian authorities, an inspection uncovered 15 packages
00:57containing 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules, with an estimated value of 45 million
01:06ringgit based on Indonesian market prices. Following the incident, MAG has begun mandatory
01:13drug screening for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots as part of Titan Safety and Fitness for
01:21Duty measures. The first phase of the screening program is expected to be completed by August 15.
01:28MAG said pilots who fail to complete the mandatory screening by the deadline will not be allowed to
01:35operate flights until they have been cleared in accordance with the group's procedures and regulatory
01:41requirements. The airline group also announced that it will introduce stricter drug screening for all active
01:48pilots beyond current industry practice before expanding the program to cabin crew.
01:54MAG President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar said operational safety and
02:03crew fitness for duty are non-negotiable, stressing that the group has zero tolerance for any form of
02:10misconduct and will continue strengthening safeguards to maintain public confidence.
02:24MAG President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar said
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