AMONG the things the previous Pakatan Harapan administration was heavily criticised for was its perceived inaction on drink-driving accidents.

Rightly or wrongly, the topic was hyped up on social media. PH detractors, notably PAS leaders, had taunted the then government, asking why it was taking so long to reduce alcohol consumption and shut down liquor factories to eliminate drink-driving and bring Malaysia in line with their preferred image of an Islamic nation.

Less than two months of Perikatan Nasional taking over the reins of power, coalition member PAS is finding it easier said than done to solve the problem.

It’s not only a question of drinkers’ rights, but also of revenue. The sin tax on tobacco, gaming and alcohol nets in about RM10 billion per annum, and roughly 20% comes from the duty on alcohol alone. Add to that the economic multiplier effect: licensing and advertising earnings for local authorities, employment opportunities, rent, business and personal income tax, etc.

Departing from its harsh tone earlier, PAS now appears to have passed the responsibility to local authorities, encouraging them to suspend alcohol sales until a solution to the drink-driving menace is found.

However, banning alcohol isn’t likely to end the issue. Compulsive consumers, whether drinkers, gamblers or drug users, will always find a way to feed their addiction.

Between April 5 and yesterday, there have been six high-profile drink-driving crashes, four of which occurred when the country was under the “strict” movement-control order (MCO), and the other two during the conditional MCO. Also, four of the accidents happened at or near roadblocks, endangering the lives of frontliners.

Our drinking laws aren’t that much different from other countries’. For example, we are stricter than the UK, but more lenient than Singapore. The acceptable blood alcohol content in Malaysia is pretty much the world standard at 0.08. Of course, there’s the possibility of tightening the rules and increasing penalties, such as making the maximum 12-month jail term for offenders mandatory.

Political will is required to solve this problem, which affects all Malaysians – drinkers and non-drinkers alike. The same will is needed to tackle other traffic-related issues that claim lives, such as the use of drugs to help long-haul drivers stay awake and bus drivers with repeat offences continuing to keep their jobs, as well as underage motorists and unsafe vehicles on our roads.

Health-wise, there are other addictive substances out there, too, like sugar and sodium. Besides excessive drinking, social ills also include gambling and gangsterism.

Dealing with all these involves actual work and can’t be easily exploited by politics. Therefore, talking about them is less appealing to politicians.

The vast majority of social drinkers imbibe responsibly, and are not a nuisance to themselves or a danger to others.

One way to handle the drink-driving issue is by not selling alcohol to those who abuse it. Bars and other businesses should share the blame for allowing customers to drive when they are in no state to even walk properly.

Education is a key aspect that seems to have been neglected. The abuse of alcohol, just like gambling and drugs, remains very much a social problem. It should be given equal, if not more, emphasis than dress codes and public etiquette in lessons to children, and can be included in subjects on traffic safety and civic studies.

Instead of shying away from the nitty-gritty in favour of glamorous grandstanding, it’s time for politicians to get off their moral high horse and take a sober look at ways to solve the issue, sincerely. – May 28, 2020.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.