Chong: It’s not the booze, but the attitude

MCA Secretary-General Datuk Chong Sin Woon

PETALING JAYA: Focusing on the sale of alcohol to solve the drink-driving problem is like treating an ailment with the wrong medicine, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

The MCA secretary-general said this opened an avenue for the matter to be used to provoke a negative reaction and to spark tension among the diverse races in Malaysia.

“The main cause of road accidents by drink-drivers was due to the absence of a responsible attitude within the individual, ” he said in a statement yesterday.

He said the government, through the Transport Ministry, is amending the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) to impose harsher sentences against offenders under Sections 41 to 45, sending a stern reminder and lesson to offenders to never drive after consuming alcohol.

“Most certainly, road accidents due to drink-driving can be reduced considerably if road users didn’t get behind the wheel when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, ” said Chong.

He added that the ministry is currently also in the last stage of finalising proposed amendments to Act 333, particularly in relation to driving dangerously or under the influence of alcohol or drugs before the proposed amendments are tabled to Cabinet and subsequently to Parliament for approval.

He said that the Ministry is also revising the permissible threshold for blood alcohol level to overcome this issue of drink-driving.

“Therefore, we should pay attention to the legislative improvements by imposing heavier penalties and bring the offenders to justice. There is no need to escalate this issue into controversies which do not benefit our society or nation.

“Most importantly, all road users must hold themselves accountable. Do not drive dangerously or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Such irresponsible behaviour could cause lifetime regret as it not only brings tragedies to oneself, but also inflicts irreversible damage to one’s family and other innocent people, ” said Chong.

There has been an increase in drink-driving incidents during the conditional movement control order (MCO) period resulting in deaths, with many calling for a review of present laws.

PAS had called on the government to suspend the production and sale of alcohol immediately until the problem could be stopped. - Star

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