GEORGE TOWN: There is an urgency in Malaysia for the implementation of rigorous measures against drunk driving, a lawmaker said today.
Bukit Bendera member of parliament Syerleena Abdul Rashid said the heart-wrenching aftermath of drunk driving served as an urgent call for heightened awareness, stricter enforcement and the establishment of a comprehensive support systems.
Syerleena said this was to prevent the utterly senseless tragedies and offer solace to those who have already endured unimaginable loss.
She said the enforcement (for rigorous measures against drunk driving) should remained steadfast and unyielding to dissuade potential offenders.
At present, individuals caught driving under the influence can face charges under Section 44(1)(b) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 15 years and a fine of up to RM100,000 upon conviction, as well as Section 42 of the same Act, which allows for a maximum jail term of five years, a fine of up to RM15,000, and a two-year disqualification from driving.
She said, nonetheless, lingering doubts persisted regarding the adequacy of these penalties and whether they were sufficiently intimidating to serve as a deterrent against drunk driving among Malaysians.
"While a 15-year prison sentence is undeniably weighty, the question of whether it truly deters potential drunk drivers continues to ignite debate.
"Striking the perfect balance between unyielding law enforcement and dynamic public awareness campaigns, capable of enlightening individuals about the stark dangers of drunk driving, is crucial.
"Furthermore, the introduction of mandatory alcohol interlock devices in vehicles driven by those convicted of drunk driving and the bolstering of roadside sobriety checkpoints can add layers of discouragement to this perilous behaviour.
"Nevertheless, a resounding truth remains, when lives are tragically lost due to the reckless and irresponsible choices made while under the influence, the call for unwavering and rigorous law enforcement becomes more essential than ever," she said today.
Her comment came in the wake of a Butterworth magistrate's court proceeding yesterday where a service engineer Teoh Joo Leong faced trial for the tragic drink-driving accident which claimed the lives of two teachers and entered a plea of not guilty.
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She said, adding to the complexity of the situation, Teoh's lawyer requested a minimal bail amount, pointing out that his client was a widower with three school-going children and elderly parents to support, a circumstance that should have been weighed carefully before the ill-fated decision to drive under the influence on the night of Dec 16, last year.
"Upon reading this, it's nearly impossible to suppress the anger evoked by such a request.
"Consider the profound anguish experienced by the families of these two teachers, enduring relentless pain that infiltrates every facet of their lives.
Everyday moments, once filled with joy, such as holidays, birthdays and family gatherings, are now poignant reminders of the void that remains.
"Championing stricter penalties is imperative as an unwavering solution to combat this issue. This can encompass protracted driver's license suspensions spanning decades or the establishment of blacklists, effectively prohibiting individuals found guilty of manslaughter from ever regaining vehicle ownership.
"Alternatively, implementing mandatory prerequisites for those convicted, such as the creation of foundations aimed at assisting and supporting the children or families forever altered by these heart-wrenching incidents, can represent a significant stride toward justice," she added.