Accidents caused by drunk drivers are on the rise, and despite warnings from the government or the authorities, some Malaysians are somehow still finding the b***s to drive under the influence.
Hopefully, with the latest announcement, they will think twice before driving while drunk.
Drunk drivers beware
Malay Mail reported that the government is set to implement stricter and harsher penalties for those who are found driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said on Wednesday (15 July) that the Cabinet has given the green light to amend Sections 41 to 45 of the Road Transport Act.
Once the law is approved, the fine will be upped to
RM100,000 for the first offence, and
RM150,000 for the second offence.
Currently, the maximum fine stands at RM20,000, if found guilty.
The jail time will also be doubled: from the current maximum of ten years to the proposed
15 years for the first offence, and
20 years for the subsequent offence.
The offender's driving license will also be suspended for
20 years, up from the current ten, Wee was quoted as saying.
Wee also added that those who are convicted of causing death while driving under the influence will face even harsher penalties, including mandatory inprisonment.
That would hopefully scare serial drunk drivers.
Wee told the news portal that the Attorney General’s Chambers has vetted through the draft Bill, and the draft will be presented for the Cabinet’s final approval on 17 July prior to its tabling a week later.
Let's hope this would put an end to drunk driving once and for all.