Heavier punishments for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
The government has agreed in principle to tighten existing laws on driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
Loke said a review and discussion would be held before bringing the proposed amendments to the Parliament.
The government has agreed in principle to tighten existing laws on driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
Loke said a review and discussion would be held before bringing the proposed amendments to the Parliament.
"After the cabinet meeting today, I have agreed in principle for the Ministry of Transport to revise and amend the existing law, to tighten the law on the driving (under the influence) of alcohol and drugs.
"We will discuss with the stakeholders and the relevant authorities, including the Road Transport Department.
"The talks will take several months and we expect to be able to bring amendments to tighten the law on driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the Parliamentary Assembly in June or July (this year)," he said at a press conference at the Ministry of Transport in Putrajaya today.
He said among the provisions to be reviewed were sections 41, 44 and 45 of the Road Transport Act 1987, which would be amended to tighten existing laws with harsher penalties.
He said section 45 concerned the alcohol content in the driver's blood.
The current law permits up to 80 milligrammes (mg) of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) of blood, compared to the international limit set by the World Health Organisation of 50mg/100ml, he said.
"The existing provision is less stringent than the international standard," he said.
Loke said section 41 concerning reckless and dangerous driving which causes death, would also be amended.
It currently provides for a jail term of between two and 10 years and a fine of between RM5,000 and RM20,000.
According to section 44, individuals who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs that result in death or injury can be sentenced to three to ten years in prison and fined between RM8,000 and RM20,000.
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