GEORGE TOWN: Police are looking into proposing a heavier penalty for fatal accidents due to negligence in the state.
State police chief Datuk T. Narenasagaran said police would also go after car owners who allowed their vehicles to be driven by those without a valid licence, or driving under the influence resulting in fatal accidents.
“We will explore the available Sections (in the laws) to propose. Whether the DPP (Deputy Public Prosecutor) agrees or not, that is a different issue.
“If the case happened due to negligence, then we are looking at a deterrent measure.
“Even parents should not allow their children to drive their vehicles if they do not have any licence,” he told reporters today after witnessing the duty handover ceremony from the outgoing northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Che Zaimani Che Awang to the incoming northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong.
Che Zaimani has been promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner.
On the recent tour bus accident, whose driver had allegedly rammed and killed a pizza delivery man last Thursday, Narenasagaran said police would also carry out a probe into the tour bus company.
He said this was because the company employed the 49-year-old bus driver who did not possess a bus driving licence.
“We will go after the registered owner of the bus and take action against him. How can they employ one who does not have any license? They cannot say they do not know about their driver.”
On “basikal lajak” (modified bicycle) cases involving youngsters, he said that parents should play a role to ensure their children were not on the road in the middle of the night.
He said, although there was no specific ruling for it, parents should be responsible over the safety of their children cycling on the road.
“What are the kids doing in the middle of the night on the road? If they do have such interest (in cycling), then parents must prioritise their safety and bring them to proper tracks.”