All Malaysia Airlines pilots pass drug tests following Jakarta arrest

All pilots working for flag carrier Malaysia Airlines tested negative for drugs, owner Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said on Monday, adding that its cabin crew would be tested next.

The mandatory screening process was ⁠ordered after a Malaysian Airlines pilot was arrested in Indonesia on drug trafficking charges on July 28.

Authorities found 26kg (57lbs) of the mind-altering drug MDMA in his luggage upon his arrival in Jakarta from Kuala Lumpur.

Urine tests also showed the pilot had been under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine, the customs office said.

MAG said in a statement ⁠that as the screening results for all its pilots returned negative, it would ‌proceed to the next phase of the programme, which would screen about 2,840 Malaysia Airlines cabin crew starting from Tuesday and ‌expected to end by September 3.

MAG operates Malaysia Airlines, as well as short-haul carrier Firefly, and haj pilgrimage airline Amal.