AADK proposes monthly urine tests for pilots, flight crew
BACHOK: The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) plans to conduct random urine tests on pilots and flight crew once a month to ensure the aviation sector is free from drug abuse.
AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the proposal is among matters being discussed with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) through a strategic collaboration to create a drug-free work environment.
According to him, the collaboration is expected to be finalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between AADK and MAG, targeted to be signed in October.
“Among the things we discussed are prevention programmes and urine tests. Although MAG has hospitals, panel clinics and trained doctors to conduct urine tests, we feel that random tests or spot checks need to be done.
“Not only among pilots, but also flight crew,” he said at a press conference on Thursday.
He said this after conducting a Strategic Visit to the Bachok Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) together with Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.
Ruslin said the frequency of the tests could be increased if there is a need or specific cases, but random checks once a month are seen as a suitable proposal.
“Our collaboration has actually been carried out before, but periodically, and perhaps this time we will make it a bit more frequent.
“The proposal is among others once a month, and we can do it once a month, no problem. If there is a need for specific cases, we can shorten the period further,” he said.
In a related development, Ruslin said urine screening of more than 1,000 pilots conducted by MAG is expected to be completed on 15 September.
He said based on the latest information received, all screening results conducted so far are negative.
“MAG informed that this screening test may end on 15 September and requires all 1,000-plus pilots to undergo the test.
“The reports informed to me previously are still all negative,” he said.
Sinar Harian