Kuala lumpur: Driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in death should be treated as a serious crime, reflecting the severe consequences of such actions, which claim the lives of innocent road users.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Traffic and Road Safety Psychology expert at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Prof Dr Rozmi Ismail, stated that the offence may also be classified under Section 302 of the Penal Code. He emphasized the importance of investigating such cases to ensure deterrence against driving under the influence. Rozmi explained that individuals are aware of the prohibition against driving while intoxicated, yet choose to proceed, suggesting an implication of intent to kill, though the final determination lies with the court.
Rozmi further advocated for tightening and improving existing laws to ensure justice for victims and their families. He highlighted the disparity between the offender's potential 10-year imprisonment and the lasting impact on the victim's family, proposing welfare-based approaches, such as the concept of diat (compensation) in Islamic law, to ensure offender responsibility.
Under Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987, those who drive under the influence and cause death may face imprisonment of between 10 to 15 years, a fine ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000, and disqualification from holding a driving licence.
Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) president, Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin, called for immediate amendments to the Penal Code, advocating for the reclassification of such acts from mere traffic offences to serious criminal offences akin to culpable homicide, recognizing the gross negligence involved.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) president, Datuk Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar Ismail, urged for stricter enforcement and the consideration of in-vehicle detection technology to prevent recurrence. He suggested that technologies like the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) and Driver Monitoring System (DMS) could serve as preventive measures, with Malaysia adopting these technological advancements to prevent vehicle operation by intoxicated individuals.
Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar also highlighted that DMS technology could monitor driver behavior to detect impairment, drowsiness, or influence of prohibited substances, and called for a review of penalties and fines to enhance deterrence.
The urgency of these measures was underscored by a viral video on March 29, capturing a car crash involving a speeding vehicle crossing a double line and hitting a motorcycle, resulting in the motorcyclist's death. The incident, occurring on Jalan Raya Barat in Klang, Selangor, involved a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs.