CAAM crew fitness-for-duty directive takes effect
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued Safety Directive 02/2026 to strengthen fitness-for-duty requirements and the prevention of alcohol and drug misuse among flight crew and cabin crew performing safety-critical functions.
The directive took effect on 7 August 2026 and applies to Air Operator Certificate holders, flight crew members and cabin crew members. It supplements Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 Regulation 99, CAD 6007 and operators' Safety Management System requirements.
AOC holders must complete immediate safety measures
Within 30 days of the effective date, applicable organisations must review their Alcohol and Drug Testing Programme, conduct a safety risk assessment and implement a drug testing programme covering 100% of active flight and cabin crew members.
The directive also requires increased unannounced random testing, reasonable-suspicion testing, reviews of vetting and disciplinary processes, staff briefings, awareness campaigns and a compliance declaration with testing results and corrective actions.
CAAM sets long-term oversight and enforcement measures
Operators are expected to progressively establish broader fitness-for-duty and employee support programmes, integrate alcohol and drug hazards into safety management, strengthen reporting and training, and conduct annual management reviews of programme effectiveness.
CAAM says it will use risk-based surveillance, unannounced inspections, focused audits and enforcement where breaches are found. The directive forms part of Aviation Malaysia coverage of Malaysian aviation safety requirements.
