Govt mulls tougher laws against reckless drivers

> ‘Current ones lack clout to curb negligent driving’

BATU PAHAT: The Transport Ministry may introduce stricter laws against errant road users as a reminder that they are also responsible for ensuring safety of others.

Referring to the recent accident involving a teenager who sped the wrong way against traffic on the North-South Expressway (NSE) on March 14 near Butterworth, killing one motorist, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi said existing penalties are not severe enough to deal with such offences.

He said the ministry noted the recommendations of various parties, including non-governmental organisations and the public, who want tougher laws to be introduced.

“The government is worried about the increasing number of fatal accidents caused by drivers’ negligence,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

He added at the moment, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs which causes fatal accidents is a serious road offence. Offenders can be charged under the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 44(1) of the same Act which carries imprisonment from three to 10 years and a fine between RM8,000 and RM20,000.

“The ministry will review existing laws, including the implementation of the Demerit Points System as well as enhancing the Automated Awareness Safety System in a bid to reduce traffic accidents,” he added.

In the 7.50am incident on March 14, Ng Pei Ven allegedly made a U-turn at Km128 of the NSE when she claimed she saw a stalled lorry.

The U-turn resulted in her going against traffic flow and she grazed against three vehicles but continued driving. The drivers of the three vehicles suffered light injuries.

She continued to drive for some 5km against traffic before crashing into the car driven by Mohamad Fandi Rosli, 26, at Km134 of the NSE, killing him on the spot.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, police have said the investigation papers (IP) involving a 22-year-old driver, who killed a group of eight teenage cyclists in a horrific car accident in Johor is ready.

Johor Baru district police chief ACP Sulaiman Salleh said the IP has been handed over to the deputy public prosecutor’s (DPP) office.

“So far, there has been no directive from the DPP’s office,” he said.

The female driver, who had been previously released on police bail, is expected to be produced at the Johor Baru magistrate’s court and would probably be charged with reckless driving leading to death.

In the Feb 18 incident, eight teenagers, aged between 13 and 17, were killed and another eight were seriously injured.