According to reports, the government is considering enforcing a mandatory jail term for reckless drivers who cause deaths in road accidents, if it’s deemed that such a move can help reduce road accidents and fatality rates.
“If the jail term can reduce the percentage of fatalities on the road, then we have no choice. Educating and appealing alone does not seem to work,” Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein told reporters two days ago, in response to Road Safety Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye’s proposal that the government impose such a move.
Lee had earlier issued the call for the mandatory jail sentence to be carried out after the 25th Ops Sikap saw a 63% increase in traffic summonses being issued compared to the previous operation.
Hishammuddin said that enforcement agencies and the government have tried their best to educate the public through awareness programmes and direct appeals, but the public’s attitude hadn’t changed, with the fatality rate increasing.
Meanwhile, in related news, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said that there was no need to amend the Road Transport Act 1987 to carry out such a move, as the mandatory jail sentence for dangerous driving to the extent of causing death is already provided under the act, Bernama reports.
Kong said the existing provisions under the RTA for serious driving offences had a mandatory jail sentence provided, besides a fine. “The offences cover reckless driving that causes death, reckless and dangerous driving, unsafe and inconsiderate driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.
He added that Section 41 of the act states that causing death by driving recklessly or dangerously carries a jail term of not less than two years and not more than 10 years, a fine of not less than RM5,000 and not more than RM10,000, in addition to offender’s driving licence suspended for not less than three years. Under Section 42, the offence of reckless and dangerous driving, but not causing death, carries a jail term of up to five years and a fine of between RM5,000 and RM15,000, the report adds.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
FF
on 
sembang-automobil
on 
Saab 9-3 - SS
on 
4M01
on 
P2
on 
sLayer
on 
jul2305
on 
Nick.C
on 
hopeless police
on 
autojohndoe
on 
Glee power
on 
taboogen
on 
kzm
on 
amoi
on 
mastermind
on 
RedBeanBun
on 
nabill
on 
whysoserious
on 
aku
on 
ARX
on 
awan
on 
tokmoh
on 
kevin lee
on 
shooter
on 
Drifter
on 
mustafa
on 
drMpower
on 
Dipak
on 
Anthony Lim (Member)
on 
kiki
on 
pelams
on 
driver
on 
sirimusa
on 
bagero
on 
drivingismypassion
on 
drivingismypassion
on 
Azahari
on 
Reader
on 
Mastermind
on 
rynn
on 
i
on 
Paint
on 
Works
on 
mark
on 
kereta lembu
on 
epul
on 
Carl Wong
on 
ahmadfaris93
on 
albag
on 
Sorchai
on 
blur
on 
NA
on 
CC
on 
hongkong
on 
Ash
on 
MrO
on 
proso
on 
Albert
on 
tuna
on 
Gebang
on 
hafay
on 
Anand
on 
Annoynimouse
on 
DArkerMarker
on 
heeman
on 
Izhar
on 
ts
on 
halim darson
on 
KingBrutal
on 
kadajawi
on 
tttee
on 
roti bakar
on 
sumpit
on 
rally_fan
on 
Boddin
on 
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments generally support the idea of stricter penalties for reckless drivers, including jail terms and higher fines, especially for repeat offenders and dangerous behaviors like speeding and dangerous overtaking. Many believe that current measures like fines and warnings are ineffective, advocating for harsher punishments, community service, or structural reforms such as better road design and driver education. Concerns about law enforcement integrity and enforcement inconsistency are voiced, with some suggesting that targeting wealthier or VIP drivers unfairly. A few comments highlight the importance of comprehensive approaches, including road safety education, improved infrastructure, and stricter driver licensing standards. Overall, there is strong sentiment that harsher penalties and better enforcement are necessary to curb reckless driving and reduce road accidents.