SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has no plans to review its liquor licensing regulations, says its chairman Clarence Ting.
Responding to enquiries from the public whether SMC would follow Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) move to review such licences, Ting said the issue had been politicised by some quarters.
“I don’t think DBKL’s move to freeze the issuing of new permits is relevant here. The original issue was DUI (driving under influence) that led to a certain political party calling for the ban,” he explained.
However, Ting called for the public to be responsible drivers and adhere to the law.
“It is dangerous to you and other road users.
“You know that you shouldn’t be driving after drinking, so don’t drink and drive,” he advised.
He added that the matter was a DUI problem and not whether alcohol is sold in the market.
DBKL had put a freeze on new liquor licence applications effective immediately, following several high profile fatal accidents involving drunk drivers.
According to a news report in The Star, DBKL also stated that enforcement would be carried out on premises that were selling liquor without a licence.
Transport Ministry, meanwhile, announced plans to impose heavier penalties for driving under the influence and reckless driving, by amending the Road Transport Act 1987.
Currently, Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 provides for a minimum fine of RM8,000 and a maximum of RM20,000 and a jail sentence of not less than three years and not more than 10 for those convicted for drink driving which causes death. — By ANDY CHUA
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