Time to Act against errant motorists

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong will bring a memorandum to Cabinet next week to amend the Road Transport Act 1987 in a bid to deter more people from driving under the influence (DUI).

The Transport Minister said dreadful stories such as a recent accident that caused the death of three in a family, including a pregnant woman, led to much grief.

“News like this just hardens our resolve to act against DUI – be it alcohol or drugs – and reckless driving.

“Enough is enough. I’m bringing a memorandum to Cabinet next week to introduce much harsher penalties to stop or at least drastically reduce these unfortunate yet preventable tragedies.

“We are committed to deterring people from driving after drinking or consuming drugs, or driving recklessly.

“Think first of yourself and others before you drive for the sake of our community,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Three family members, including a two-year-old boy, were killed when the car they were in collided head-on with a four-wheel-drive vehicle along Jalan Ipoh-Gerik near here on Friday night.

The deceased were identified as Abdul Hakim Hashim, 32, his wife Nurul Huda Arifin, 31, and their son Adib Aiman.

The couple’s other son, aged four, sustained light injuries to his head during the 10.40pm incident.

Police arrested the driver of the 4WD who had tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. The incident will be investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless driving causing death.

The punishments for DUI and reckless driving are set to become heavier as the Transport Ministry seeks to amend the Road Transport Act. A special meeting chaired by Dr Wee on June 1 discussed amendments on Section 41 to 45 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).