Govt Urged To Impose Heavier Penalties For Drunk, Drug-influenced Driving - Yuneswaran

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The government has been urged to take sterner action, including heavier mandatory prison sentences, for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that result in fatalities.

Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran said that, in addition to harsher jail terms, offenders who cause death or serious injury should have their driving licences revoked for life.

“A comprehensive review of amendments to the Road Transport Act should be carried out to provide for heavier and more specific penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“It is time for the country to take a firm stand that drink-driving or driving under the influence of drugs is not merely a road traffic offence, but a threat to public safety,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Yuneswaran also suggested that the government take strict action against premises selling alcohol without a licence, including the closure of such outlets and the cancellation of their business licences.

He also proposed a ban on the sale of alcohol near residential areas, houses of worship, schools, and educational institutions.

Yuneswaran said the government should consider limiting alcohol sales hours and halting the open display of alcohol products at counters and shelves, similar to controls on tobacco products.

“The 24-hour sale of alcohol at retail outlets needs to be reviewed and restricted to specific hours, as implemented in neighbouring countries. Enforcement against selling alcohol to youths must also be tightened,” he added.

He also called for intensified large-scale roadblocks and checks, particularly at night, on weekends, and during festive seasons.

Earlier, he visited the family of the late A. Doraisingam and A. Menagah, who were killed after being hit by a drunk driver in Jalan Ampang earlier this month.

Yuneswaran said tragedies like this should no longer be seen as isolated incidents, as any lapse in enforcement today could lead to a family's loss in the future.

He is hopeful that justice will be served for the family of the deceased, while urging all parties to heed the tragedy and ensure the safety of the people remains a national priority.

-- BERNAMA