Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) are implementing stricter checks on pilots, cabin crew, and other aviation personnel in response to a recent incident involving a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) pilot connected to an international drug trafficking syndicate.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the MOT is not informed about the specifics of the police investigation, including suspect identities or arrests, since the case is being treated as a criminal investigation. Loke emphasized the importance of allowing the police to handle further announcements regarding the matter.
Loke assured that the MOT will provide full cooperation to the police, offering access to airport facilities and any necessary information or personnel for the ongoing investigation. He clarified that although the police are not obliged to update the MOT on the investigation's progress, the ministry will facilitate their needs by providing information, facility access, or personnel for interviews or investigations.
The incident dates back to September 4, when Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan announced the arrest of six local men. They were suspected of being part of an international drug trafficking syndicate connected to the arrest of a Malaysian co-pilot in Jakarta in July. The arrests were based on information obtained from the 39-year-old co-pilot during questioning by an NCID team in Jakarta from August 11 to 15.
Media reports revealed that the co-pilot was detained at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 25 kilograms of drugs. The Indonesian National Police (POLRI) reportedly confiscated 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy pills and methamphetamine, with an estimated value of RM45 million.
In a related development, CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud addressed flight diversions caused by volcanic ash in Jakarta. He noted that Malaysia is assisting by acting as an alternate airport for flights originally destined for Jakarta. As a result, some aircraft bound for Jakarta are being diverted to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), where Malaysia is providing support.