Govt looks into heavier punishment for drivers causing death

The Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) will be reviewed so that those responsible for causing death or injuries to other road users would face heavier punishment, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

He said he has directed the Road Transport Department (RTD) to review Act 333 as the Transport Ministry viewed seriously the issue of drivers driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or driving recklessly and took the lives of other road users including enforcement personnel on duty.

The study on Act 333 also involved various other interested parties including RTD, police, the Attorney-General's Chambers and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), he said.

At the same time, he said Section 45 and 45A which are related to being in charge of motor vehicles under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs would be studied on the limit of the alcohol concentration.

The ministry is also looking at the provisions of Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act relating to driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and causing death or injuries to other people.

-- BERNAMA