Nada, MAG seek new MoU to strengthen drug prevention efforts

SEPANG: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) are seeking to renew their strategic cooperation through a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse among the aviation group's workforce.

Nada director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the proposed MoU was among the key matters discussed during a meeting with MAG group chief executive officer Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar today.

He said the cooperation would strengthen both parties' commitment to drug prevention and enforcement efforts, as well as raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and prohibited substances.

"Today, I paid a courtesy visit to MAG group chief executive officer Captain Nasaruddin to discuss cooperation between Nada and MAG in strengthening drug abuse prevention programmes among MAG employees.

"We hope that through this cooperation, we can strengthen not only Nada's efforts, but also MAG's role, particularly Malaysia Airlines, in drug prevention programmes in Malaysia," he said after the meeting at the Malaysia Airlines Academy here.

Ruslin said one of the main areas discussed was the implementation of targeted prevention initiatives, including the Drug-Free Workplace programme, known as Tekad, at MAG-owned premises and facilities.

He said the initiative was a critical safety measure that should be implemented promptly to safeguard the integrity and safety of aviation operations.

"This proactive initiative is a critical safety measure that needs to be taken immediately to ensure the integrity and safety of flight operations.

"This collaboration is expected to create a safer, healthier and drug-free working environment for the well-being of the country's aviation services," he said.

Also present were Nada deputy director-general (operations) Zainudin Abdullah and delegations from both organisations.

The move follows the arrest of a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia on July 28 for allegedly smuggling drugs.

Indonesian media reported that a Malaysian pilot was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 70,000 ecstasy pills weighing 25kg into Indonesia.

Reports by Kompas.com and Suara.com said Indonesian authorities also found 2.74g of methamphetamine and 0.0825g of methamphetamine residue in a glass pipe when the suspect was arrested at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport at 11.30pm local time on Tuesday.

The suspect told investigators that upon arriving in Jakarta, he would be directed by someone believed to be based in Malaysia, while another person would collect the items at a hotel or accommodation.

The suspect also told investigators that he had acted as a drug courier three times.

The first involved transporting methamphetamine to Sabah, Malaysia.

The second involved smuggling 7kg of methamphetamine into Jakarta.

The third involved transporting ecstasy and methamphetamine, which was foiled by officers at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

A urine test showed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine.

The suspect is being detained at the Bareskrim Polri detention centre to assist investigations.