There has been a spate of drunk driving incidents of late that claimed lives. While the perpetrators have been charged and hauled to court almost immediately in the most recent cases (Toyota C-HR lawan arus in Pahang and Nissan Grand Livina dragging a motorcyclist along Mahameru in KL are among them), many are calling for heavier punishment for those driving under the influence and causing injury and death. The prime minister has also weighed in and asked for the same.
This is in the works. Transport minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has reiterated that his ministry is working on amendments to the law that will see heavier punishment to those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Wee posted on Facebook yesterday, saying that the amendments to Sections 41 to 45 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) will be brought to the cabinet for approval before heading to parliament to be tabled during the next sitting.
“We will definitely impose heavier penalties and longer jail terms on the driver of the vehicle. Especially those who are intoxicated and under the influence of drugs, we will not compromise and they will be subject to the heaviest penalties,” he said in the video, embedded above.
Wee also stressed on the importance of education, adding that the MoT will be engaging with stakeholders to educate the public on the dangers of DUI. The Ayer Hitam MP said that road safety education will be enhanced so that Malaysians will know what’s right and wrong behind the wheel from young.
“We are putting our energy into stepping up our education in order to raise awareness among the public that a person is intoxicated and under the influence of drugs,” he said, adding that MoT will also be revising the legal limit for alcohol in the body while driving, which currently is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
At present, Section 41 of Act 333 says that a person who is found guilty of driving under the influence can be hit with a fine of between RM5,000 and RM20,000 and/or jail from two to 10 years. Remember, if you’re drinking, don’t drive – use e-hailing services or a designated driver who didn’t consume alcohol.
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Yes! U can’t control what’s to put into your throat and cause so much of trouble to society, u need to be heavily punished for endangering other road users! If u hv 100 of reasons to get drunk, u should be brave enough to face your consequences due to your reckless decision and weak willpower!
Too many Ah Bengs breaking the law. It is time to show them the law is merciless when they break it.
“why drink and drive when I can smoke and fly?”
– Bob Marley
Syabas DS Wee! Lokap budak2 ketum & pil kuda
Budak2 ketum & oil kuda have higher probability of winning the Darwin award faster, which is a good thing, because they take out their useless DNA out of the gene pool themselves.
Your nation should has this law.
Drinking is banned in all public places from 10.30pm to 7am.
Retail shops are also not allowed to sell takeaway liquor from 10.30pm to 7am.
Shops within the zones are also not allowed to sell takeaway liqour from 7pm on weekends, the eve of a public holiday and the holiday itself.
Actually this kind of law already didn’t help in Australia or the UK.
But it’s very strange, that in Malaysia driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is punished so lightly, although a prison term of 10 Years is possible.
Take Europe instead (where drinking alkohol is part of their culture): Drinking and driving without any accident, injured persons or deaths, leads to mandatory loss of driving license and in countries like Denmark to confiscation of the car.
Similar to MCO laws that kept people safe. Dredd supports.
Fine the offender kaw kaw.
Revoke driving license.
Throw offender in jail and give roti rotan.
Baru Besh!
Haiya berapa lama lagi mau working on amendments to the law la kawan? Just sanction the death penalty and get over with it! You will see changes overnight I tell you.
What’s the point when there’s no enforcement? You tolong me I tolong you culture is the main problem, not the law.