Internal probe into detained pilot

> Suspect held in Batam tested positive for syabu

PETALING JAYA: An internal investigation has been initiated by an airline following the arrest of its pilot in Batam, Indonesia on Saturday after he tested positive for syabu.

A spokesman from the airline in Malaysia confirmed the arrest and that an investigation is under way.

The spokesman said the airline does not condone drug abuse, and said that stern action will be taken against its employees found to be involved in drug abuse.

“We are aware that one of our pilots has been detained in Batam for drug issues. Investigations are under way into this.

“Any employee who is found guilty will have their employment terminated and will be surrendered to the relevant authorities.”

The spokesman said frequent drug tests will continue to be conducted on pilots and cabin crew to ensure that they are medically fit to perform their duties at all times.

theSun learnt that the suspect is from Kelantan and is believed to reside in Klang Valley.

On Saturday, Indonesian authorities arrested a 34-year-old Malaysian for consuming syabu.

Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) detained the man during an inspection at Batam’s Hang Nadim International Airport, where he tested positive for syabu.

It is believed that he is in custody at the BNN Riau Islands office.

The agency had seized 1.09g of syabu, a small pipe, and a piece of aluminum foil, which is believed to belong to the pilot.

The suspect was scheduled to fly from Batam to Subang.

He was staying in Batam while waiting to fly to Subang around 11am on Sunday.

BNN screened 69 members of air crew serving on eight local flights and one domestic flight.

The operation was part of the country’s efforts to curb drug abuse among airline employees.