Jakarta, ThedailyID — The president of the Malaysian Pilots Association has described the arrest of a Malaysia Airlines pilot accused of smuggling drugs into Indonesia as a “great embarrassment” to both himself and the country’s aviation community.
Captain Ab Manan Mansor said the involvement of a crew member from Malaysia’s national carrier had brought shame to the profession.
“I am a Malaysian pilot, and I feel very, very ashamed about this,” Mansor was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
“The fact that the person involved is from the national airline makes this even more embarrassing. Where do I put my face?” he added.
Mansor urged airlines to tighten internal monitoring to prevent similar incidents. He called for closer oversight of employees, including random drug tests for pilots, cabin crew, and ground personnel.
“Airlines should strengthen these monitoring measures and apply them to all staff, including airport ground personnel,” he said.
The case involves Mohd Saufi bin Othman, a Malaysia Airlines pilot who was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport last week after Indonesian authorities allegedly found 70,000 ecstasy pills, weighing around 26 kilograms, in his possession.
If convicted under Indonesian law, he could face the death penalty.
Mansor also questioned Othman’s career progression, noting that the 39-year-old was still serving as a second officer, a rank typically held by less experienced pilots.
He said Malaysia Airlines pilots generally reach the rank of captain by their early 30s.
The association chief added that authorities should respond firmly because such incidents damage not only the aviation industry and Malaysia’s reputation but also the lives of those involved and their families.
Following the arrest, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced mandatory drug testing for all 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots. The first phase of the screening began immediately and is scheduled to finish by August 15.
MAG said pilots who fail to complete the required tests by the deadline will not be allowed to operate flights until they comply with company procedures. The company also plans to expand mandatory drug screening to all active flight crew, including cabin staff.
