Group proposes mandatory jail for drunk drivers
SARIKEI: Head of the Jakar branch of Malaysia Hope Community, Philip Wong suggests that a mandatory jail sentence be imposed on drunk drivers, instead of banning the sale of alcohol.
He also believes that those caught driving under the influence of alcohol should have their driving licence suspended.
Citing the finding of Malaysian Institute of Road Safety research, about one-quarter of all fatal road accidents cases are caused by drunk drivers, Wong agrees that driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence, but banning the sale of alcohol is not a solution.
“Should we ban alcohol because there are irresponsible drinkers who caused accidents or even death? The answer is no.
“But we must find ways and means to manage it. No doubt, drunk drivers must be severely dealt with. No rational society will allow a drunkard to drive and cause accidents, especially those that result in deaths,” he said in a statement.
Wong called upon the government to amend the law to provide for tougher penalties for the offence, adding that under Section 45A(I) of Road Transport Act, a person caught drink-driving is liable to a fine up to RM6,000 and a maximum jail term of 12 months upon conviction; or a maximum fine of RM20,000 and up to 10 years in jail if it involved death.
“We, at Jakar branch, strongly believe that the answer to drinkdriving is certainly not a total ban on alcohol. It is for the government to decide what the appropriate penalty is. A penalty that is severe enough for the drinkers to think twice before they start their car engine,” he said.
Wong said the call to ban the sale of alcohol was not only unfair to certain communities in a plural Malaysian society, but was also not a conclusive solution to the problem.
“In fact, alcohol is part of our tradition and culture especially during festivals since time immemorial in this plural society. For instance, the Dayaks have ‘tuak’ (rice wine) as a specialty during Gawai celebration, and the Chinese have white or red wine to prepare traditional dishes,” he said.
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