Ministry seeking public views on drink driving

PETALING JAYA: A survey has been launched by the Transport Ministry to get views on driving under the influence of alcohol.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said his ministry in the interest of public safety, viewed the cases involving drunk drivers who cause road accidents or fatalities, seriously.

“The ministry, through its logistics and land transport division will conduct an online survey on the consumption of alcohol and stricter law enforcement on those driving under the influence of alcohol.

“As a caring government, the ministry wants to hear the voices of the people. We want to get the feedback and views of the public on the (blood) alcohol content limit that can be allowed as well as on the laws and regulations related to the Road Transport Act.

“The public can voice out their opinions beginning today till June 4 through the online link,” said Dr Wee in a Facebook posting yesterday.

The link is https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFO_ IIrh6otCgdFLcr9p1cggYWWfirK6bQu90AWdBhxFVaA/ viewform?fbclid=IwAR3DHbU.

On May 4, Dr Wee said the government was considering mandatory jail sentences for those caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

He said this following the recent death of a policeman after a suspected drunk driver crashed into him at a roadblock.

Kpl Safwan Muhammad Ismail, 31, was killed at a roadblock after being hit by a four-wheel-drive in the wee hours in early May.

Dr Wee said the government viewed the accident very seriously, adding that drunk drivers in other countries faced jail time rather than mere suspension of their driving licence.

He said if mandatory prison time was introduced, it might instill discipline among those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Dr Wee also said it was time to bring justice to the victims killed by drunk drivers.

He added that there was no reason for anyone to drive after drinking as e-hailing services were widely available in the country.