CAAM probes aviation security compliance after Malaysia Airlines pilot's drug arrest

THE Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is investigating whether all aviation security procedures were properly followed before a Malaysia Airlines pilot was arrested in Jakarta over alleged drug smuggling.

CAAM chief executive Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said the incident, which is under investigation by the Indonesian authorities, would also be assessed from a regulatory perspective, including whether the airline complied with aviation security requirements and whether airport screening procedures were properly carried out before the pilot departed Malaysia.

"Like all individuals entering Security Restricted Areas, flight crew are required to undergo security screening before being granted access.

"There is no blanket exemption from these screening requirements," he was quoted as saying by NST.

Norazman said all passengers and flight crew, including their cabin baggage and personal belongings, are subject to the same security screening procedures before entering restricted airport areas using approved methods and equipment, including X-ray screening of baggage.

"The screening process is conducted by airport operators and security personnel in accordance with the Civil Aviation Security Regulations 2019 and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme before crew members are permitted to enter the airside or other restricted areas," he said.

Responding to questions over how such a large quantity of drugs could have escaped detection, Norazman said the matter remained under investigation and that CAAM was gathering all relevant facts.

Last week, Indonesian authorities announced the arrest of a 39-year-old Malaysia Airlines pilot at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after allegedly discovering 25 kilogrammes of ecstasy pills and methamphetamine concealed in his luggage.

The seizure comprised more than 70,000 capsules with an estimated street value of RM45 million in Indonesia.

Urine tests conducted on the pilot allegedly detected methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine.

Indonesian investigators also alleged that the pilot admitted this was his third attempt to smuggle drugs, involving two previous attempts into Indonesia and one within Malaysia.

He also allegedly told investigators he had been promised about RM50,000 to deliver the drugs in the latest case.

Norazman said CAAM would determine whether all applicable regulatory requirements and aviation security procedures had been complied with before the pilot departed Malaysia.

"CAAM is gathering all the facts and will take the necessary enforcement action within its jurisdiction should any non-compliance with aviation regulations be established," he said.

Commenting on reports that the pilot had tested positive for drugs, Norazman said Malaysia already has a comprehensive regulatory framework governing alcohol and drug management for aviation personnel.

He said that under the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016, flight crew are prohibited from performing their duties while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any psychoactive substance.

He added that every Air Operator Certificate holder in Malaysia is required to implement a CAAM-approved Alcohol and Drug Management Programme in accordance with Civil Aviation Directive 6007. - August 2, 2026