The case for harsher penalties for drunk drivers

TRANSPORT Minister, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong proposed for an amendment of the Road Transport Act 1987, allowing for harsher penalties against those found to be driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol.

The amendment will see first-time offenders facing up to 15 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of up to RM100,000 for their first offence as well as 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of RM150,000 for their subsequent offence.

During the Parliament session on Wednesday, the minister added the Attorney General’s Chambers has gone through the draft bill and will seek the Cabinet’s final approval on July 17 before its tabling a week later.

Why should you care?

Under the existing act, drunk drivers can be fined not less than RM1,000 and not more than RM6,000 or imprisonment, not less than 12 months if found guilty.

For offences that lead to death, drunk drivers can face a maximum fine of RM10,000 and a maximum jail term of 12 months.

Politicians and experts have long debated on enacting harsher laws for drunk drivers, especially since cases have been on the rise.

From January 1 to June 15 this year, the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) reported 1,236 drink-driving arrests.

In 2018, a report by the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) found that 25 per cent of road deaths in Malaysia were caused by drink-driving.

Statistics from the Royal Malaysian Police found 21 cases of accidents involving drunk drivers during the first five months of this year including eight deaths, a significant increase compared to 23 cases last year.