JOHOR BARU: Nine traffic offenders here were among the first in the country to be charged under the newly-gazetted Road Transport Act (Amendment) 2020.
The nine accused were all charged under Section 45A(1) of the Act for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Eight of the accused pleaded guilty while the other pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out before Magistrate Norasidah Abd Rahman.
Norasidah sentenced each of the eight accused to a week in jail and a fine of RM10,000, or eight months jail if they failed to pay the fine.
They also lost their driving licence's eligibility for two years.
For the accused who pleaded not guilty, Norasidah set November 26 for mention of the case.
Prosecuting officer Assistant Superintendent Azmi Abdul Salam appeared for the prosecution while all of the accused were unrepresented.
Last week, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong announced that the amended Act would come into effect on Oct 23.
The amended Act carries heavier penalties for traffic offences, particularly related to Sections 41 to 45 of the Act.