Don’t drink and drive, it’s as simple as that

KUCHING: Without a shadow of a doubt, drinking and driving is never a good idea.

Drunk drivers are only putting their lives at risk but also the lives of others.

Figures showed that between 2010 and 2015, 618 deaths were due to drunk drivers.

Based on the statistics, Malaysia is only behind Thailand and Vietnam in road fatalities in Southeast Asia, but the latter two have bigger population.

In the wake of a recent spate of fatalities in the country involving drunk drivers, the government said it was studying amending the penalty for motorists found guilty for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs as well as for dangerous driving, causing death, with a fine of up to RM100,000.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said besides the fine, the jail sentence would be increased to 20 years from the current 10 years.

But does imposing stricter laws sufficient to prevent this menace? Is that the best policy to ensure the safety of innocent road users?

New Sarawak Tribune approached three politicians for their thoughts.

Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said imposing tougher penalties was a good move.

“I fully agree that tougher penalties should be imposed on those who drink and drive or those driving under the influence of drugs.

“But what is more important is that this law must be thoroughly publicised, explained and enforced,” he said yesterday.

He added that it would be pointless if the implementation was not properly done.

“There is no point having tough laws if they are not properly enforced. If law breakers are able to by-pass the law by bribing law enforcers, then this problem will never end,” he commented.

Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah viewed that imposing tougher penalties alone would not work.

She said that there was a need to shift the approach to a more holistic one besides enforcing tougher laws.

“Educating the public would be the best remedy if it’s conducted along with the enforcement.”

For Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, besides amending penalties, this issue must be evaluated from an overall aspect.

“I always like to see the overall aspect of a particular issue. Of course, a tougher penalty does help but the most important thing is the awareness and culture.

“To have a good culture for instance, an outlet which serves drinks should have the conscience to advise and to a certain extent call a ride for their customers if they think their customers are not able to drive,” he commented.

He added that this was a crucial point where education and awareness should be banded together.

“And customers on the other hand, should be positive towards such approach.

“It should not be the case where action is warranted only when tragedies occurred.

“It must be addressed through effective and good awareness campaigns. “As for drugs, the law is there already but enforcement will always be a never-ending debate,” he opined.