KANGAR: Premises that allow intoxicated patrons to get behind the wheel should face immediate revocation of their business licences, a Perlis assemblyman proposed, as the state legislative assembly unanimously passed a motion calling for tougher action against drunk driving.
Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak (Bersatu - Tanjung Tulang), who tabled the motion, said stricter licensing conditions should be imposed on businesses selling alcoholic beverages.
"Any premises that allow customers to become intoxicated and then drive should face immediate revocation of their business licence," he said during the state assembly sitting on Thursday (June 3).
The motion, which was passed unanimously, calls for tougher mandatory penalties and stronger enforcement against motorists convicted of driving under the influence (DUI).
Wan Zikri said the proposal was aimed at strengthening preventive measures and punishment against drunk drivers through greater cooperation between state and federal agencies.
"This motion is general, inclusive and does not target any religion, race or group.
"It focuses entirely on public safety, social justice and the shared responsibility of all road users," he said.
He urged authorities to stop treating drunk driving as a minor traffic offence.
"We must stop viewing driving under the influence as a minor traffic offence.
"It is a serious criminal threat to public safety," he said.
Wan Zikri said the state government should submit formal recommendations to the Transport Ministry to review existing laws and impose harsher penalties on DUI offenders involved in fatal accidents.
"We urge that the suspension or revocation period for driving licences be significantly extended for serious offences so that our roads are free from the threat of repeat offenders," he said.
He also called for more targeted enforcement operations involving the police, Road Transport Department and Kangar Municipal Council, particularly in high-risk areas during weekends and festive periods.
"We can no longer conduct enforcement operations randomly.
"Local authorities must use accident and arrest data to identify hotspot areas for more tactical enforcement action," he said.
