PUTRAJAYA, Aug 21 — The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has introduced enhanced regulatory measures to strengthen fitness-for-duty requirements and prevent alcohol and drug misuse among aviation personnel performing safety-critical functions.
In a statement yesterday, CAAM said the measures were part of its continued commitment to safeguarding the safety, security and integrity of Malaysia’s civil aviation system.
On 7 August 2026, CAAM issued Safety Directive 02/2026 — Strengthening Fitness-for-Duty and Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Misuse, introducing enhanced requirements for flight crew and cabin crew performing safety-critical functions.
“Among the immediate measures introduced, Malaysian airlines are required to conduct drug testing covering 100 per cent of active flight crew and cabin crew members within the prescribed implementation period.
“Operators are also required to increase unannounced random alcohol and drug testing, conduct immediate reasonable-suspicion testing where there are indicators of possible impairment, and review recruitment, background verification and recurrent screening processes for personnel holding security passes,” it said.
CAAM said operators are required to undertake a comprehensive review of their Alcohol and Drug Testing Programme (ADTP), conduct safety risk assessments relating to alcohol and drug misuse, and submit declarations of compliance, testing results and corrective action plans to CAAM.
“These requirements are supported by enhanced CAAM oversight through risk-based surveillance, unannounced inspections and focused audits on the implementation of alcohol and drug testing requirements.
“CAAM will also verify testing records and may require additional testing where safety concerns are identified,” the statement said.
Earlier, the Cabinet had approved 17 recommendations to strengthen security controls, screening and risk management at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the country’s international entry points.
As a quick-win measure, six actions will be prioritised to strengthen existing security controls, namely risk-based targeted screening by enhancing inspections of flights, passengers, crew members and luggage identified as at risk.
Another measure involves drug screening of flight personnel to strengthen the implementation of pre-employment, periodic and random screening of pilots, cabin crew and related staff.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of CAAM Capt Datuk Norazman Mahmud in the same statement said the enhanced measures demonstrate CAAM’s proactive approach to addressing emerging risks and reinforcing safeguards across the aviation sector.
“Safety-critical personnel carry a significant responsibility in ensuring the safety of every flight. CAAM therefore expects the highest standards of fitness, professionalism and accountability from all personnel entrusted with these responsibilities.
“These measures strengthen detection and compliance while reinforcing a culture where fitness-for-duty is a fundamental component of aviation safety,” he said, adding that, CAAM’s regulatory actions are aligned with the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen security controls, screening and risk management at KLIA and other international entry points.
CAAM will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies to support the implementation of these measures within its regulatory purview.
“These coordinated efforts complement CAAM’s ongoing regulatory actions and further strengthen the management of safety and security risks across Malaysia’s aviation sector. Where regulatory breaches are identified, CAAM will exercise its statutory enforcement powers in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” the statement said.
CAAM remains committed to continuously strengthening its regulatory framework and oversight mechanisms to ensure Malaysia’s civil aviation system remains safe, secure and trusted. — Bernama
