IGP: Mandatory jail sentence effective deterrence against drink driving

PUTRAJAYA: A mandatory jail sentence would be an effective deterrence against drink driving, says the country’s top cop.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador (pic), when met at the Home Ministry here on Friday (June 5), said a provision for mandatory jail sentence should be made.

“I would support that very much. A mandatory jail sentence would deter them.

"If we leave it, different judges might have one interpretation (of the law) from another. If we make it mandatory, it is a strong deterrence to those who think they can drink and drive,” he said after receiving the first batch of patrol cars.

On Covid-19 prevention amongst detainees, the IGP said standard operating procedures were already in place.

In response to a question about the inmate who tested positive as announced by the Health Ministry a few days back, he said, "What had happened at the prison (Sungai Buloh) was extraordinary. He was there since 2016 and had not mixed with people from the outside, up until three months ago where he was sent to court."

"Then when he came back, he tested positive, so how he got infected we don’t know."

“I have discussed this with the prison department's director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Omar, and he has asked that all detainees sent to prison undergo Covid-19 checks.

On Friday, the police received 30 new Honda Civics, which are a part of a total 425 new patrol cars.

The handover ceremony was officiated by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and the IGP.

“The cost to maintain old vehicles are much higher, and it can be said that it’s ‘beyond economical repair’ for these old vehicles,” said the IGP.