Proposed drink-driving amendments to Road Transport Act to be finalised by mid-June

PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry will finalise the proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 on drink-driving by mid-June, says its Minister.

Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) said the ministry together with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will hold a briefing session on June 1 to review the proposed amendments to the Act.

"The amendments to the Act must be finalised by mid-June taking into consideration the views of the public through an ongoing research questionnaire before it is presented at a Cabinet meeting," he said.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page Tuesday (May 26), Dr Wee added that he was saddened by news of accidents throughout the month of May involving especially drunk drivers.

"I have taken the opportunity including this Hari Raya holidays and the conditional movement control order (MCO) period to be at the Transport Ministry office to review all proposed amendments on the Road Transport Act 1987, especially on drink-driving, drugs, and dangerous driving resulting in the injury or death of a road user," he said.

Dr Wee said the research questionnaire by the ministry was done through its Logistics and Transportation Division.

On May 4, Dr Wee said the government is considering mandatory jail sentences for those caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

He noted that drunk drivers in other countries faced jail time rather than the mere suspension of their driving licences.

He added that if mandatory prison time was introduced, it might give some awareness to those who choose to drive under the influence.

Dr Wee also said it was time to bring justice to the victims of drunk drivers, adding that there was no reason for anyone to drive after drinking as e-hailing services were widely available in the country.