KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should emulate the measures and laws of other countries to tackle drink driving, said Kuala Lumpur Road Safety Department director Azharul Izwan Puaadi.
He said one example was Thailand, where family members of victims who died in road accidents caused by a person under the influence could seek financial compensation from the offender.
The next of kin, he said, could claim compensation from the offender for a certain period of time.
“This is one of the areas the government can consider in its bid to review the country’s drink-driving laws.
“In my opinion, people do not care about the laws and punishments in the country. They take them lightly.
“The public’s mindset and behaviour need to be changed before we can think of amending laws with heftier punishment.”
Azharul Izwan said the authorities could conduct enforcement operations at entertainment outlets to check on the alcohol levels of patrons to determine whether a person was fit to drive or otherwise.
“We should also conduct more awareness campaigns on drink driving.
“Education is important and all stakeholders should get involved to tackle this issue.”
National Road User Association chairman Mohammad Hisham Shafie urged the government to compel insurance companies, non-governmental organisations, departments, agencies and bodies under the Transport Ministry to conduct anti-drink driving campaigns nationwide.
He also called for restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages and increase taxation on such items to curb sales.