‘Breathalysers effective in detecting drunk drivers’
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have dismissed claims that the breathalysers used to determine blood alcohol concentration in drunk drivers are ineffective.
Federal police Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department chief Datuk Mahamad Akhir Darus said traffic police have been using the same device for years and there was no issue with their accuracy.
“That’s not true. We are using them to test suspected drunk motorists in our operations.”
Akhir said on patrols, police would monitor and inspect motorists who behaved in a suspicious manner. They have been doing regular operations, including on weekends.
On the need to increase police patrols following accidents involving drunk drivers, he said there was no plan to increase police presence on the roads as the situation was not alarming.
City traffic police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nadzri Hussain said police actively used the breathalyser without issue.
In Putrajaya, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the government would step up efforts to keep intoxicated drivers off the road.
On the case in Penang where a 19-yearold part-time model had allegedly drove against traffic and caused the death of another motorist, he said more road safety campaigns would be conducted to educate the public.
“We are concerned about people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
“We must educate the public to take responsibility and empower them to ensure road safety.”
Liow said this at the ministry’s headquarters after a post-cabinet meeting yesterday.