Scepticism over heftier penalties

I REFER to the report “Loke: Heavier penalties soon for reckless driving, DUI offences” (The Star, Jan 29; online at https://bit.ly/2U3KNlj).For those who are on the road past midnight in the Klang Valley, the sight of vehicle wreckage and casualties of road crashes, the result of drivers driving under the influence (of alcohol or drugs), is quite common. Hence, it is indeed the right move by the authorities to hold drivers more accountable to their recklessness.

However, the minister is only making a brash and righteous pronouncement without providing law-abiding citizens viable ways to adhere to the law. Filtered water is often never served freely in venues that serve alcohol. There are venues in Kuala Lumpur that charge up to RM12 for a measly 250ml own-label bottle of water. A responsible driver who wishes to rehydrate a few hours before driving again is just getting ripped off by these greedy establishments.