Klang: He rode carefully, obeying the speed limit and keeping to the road shoulder even though the lane was relatively clear at the time. His only intention was to reach his destination safely. However, the irresponsible action of a man driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs claimed the motorcyclist's life. In an instant, a wife became a widow, and three young children lost their father. The tragic accident that occurred on March 29 in Klang, Selangor, sparked public outrage as far too many lives have been lost to drink-driving in recent times.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Mohammed Hasbullah Ali was quoted as saying that 58 fatal accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs were recorded over the past two years, with 27 cases in 2024 and 31 in 2025. It is not that laws or enforcement are lacking, but a persistent disregard for them causes some people to continue to drive under the influence, putting both their own lives and the lives of others at serious risk.
Experts suggest that this behaviour stems from normalisation, where repeated acts of drink-driving without immediate consequences gradually desensitise individuals, leading them to underestimate the risks and view such actions as socially acceptable.
Not putting the blame entirely on drivers, social expert Dr Hezzrin Mohd Pauzi opined that societal attitudes also contribute to the problem. Dr Hezzrin, who is head of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability Studies at the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, added that some people tend to underestimate the dangers of driving while intoxicated and their behaviour causes others to assume that drink-driving is not dangerous. She emphasized that society must also play a proactive role by taking this issue seriously and preventing intoxicated individuals from driving.
Hezzrin also pointed out that alcohol acts as a depressant, impairing a person's ability to control themselves and increasing the likelihood of risky behaviour. She added that ego and self-control are key factors, as some individuals convince themselves that they can handle driving while intoxicated, especially if they have done so before without incident. This desensitisation can lead to habitual drink-driving despite strict laws and penalties.
Meanwhile, lawyer Siti Hajar Aisyah Mohd Pozi highlighted the legal actions against drink-driving in Malaysia, which vary depending on whether the offence involves an accident, injury, or death. She noted that seasonal enforcement operations may contribute to the persistence of drink-driving offences despite stricter penalties, and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the issue.
Recent cases highlight the severe consequences of drink-driving. On March 29, 33-year-old motorcyclist Amirul Hafiz Omar was killed in Klang by a driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Other incidents, such as those in Tawau and Pasir Gudang, have similarly resulted in tragic losses, underscoring the urgent need for effective preventive measures.