Flying under the influence: Netizens call for urgent action to be taken

NETIZENS have expressed anger and fear following reports of a Malaysian pilot who was recently caught attempting to smuggle 26 kilograms (kg) of the mind-altering drug MDMA into Jakarta.

What was more worrying was that urine tests also found that the suspect was under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine.

"Imagine the lives of all the innocent passengers, including little children, in the hands of a drug-influenced pilot.

"It is bad enough reading about road accidents caused by drunk drivers and those under the influence, but to think this has also spread to pilots is shocking," read one comment on social media.

Another comment by a mother who is also a frequent flyer questioned whether the same strict checks on bags applied to pilots and cabin crew members as those on other passengers.

"Why are they given so much flexibility? The same security standards should be applied to every single person boarding an aircraft.

"It is frightening to think that our lives are in the hands of someone high on drugs," she wrote.

Netizens called on the relevant authorities to take all measures necessary to ensure there is no recurrence of such incidents.

"I have always been told that flying is the safest mode of transport.

"I believed it, especially since there have been numerous reports of road accidents involving intoxicated and drug-fuelled drivers.

"This recent incident is really scary and needs urgent attention," said another netizen.

Recent reports said the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is investigating the detention of the pilot in Indonesia from a regulatory perspective, including whether there were any lapses before the individual departed from Malaysia.

CAAM said it is currently gathering the relevant facts regarding the reported incident involving the Malaysian pilot.

The police are also investigating whether a drug syndicate used flight crews and air routes to smuggle narcotics after the suspect was accused of transporting RM45 million worth of ecstasy.

The Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department is seeking CCTV footage from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to establish how the alleged smuggling operation was carried out. – August 3, 2026