EXPECT to see police roadblocks near popular watering holes as authorities ramp up enforcement against drink-driving.

Federal Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Azisman Alias said police are pulling out all the stops to curb this menace.

“We will conduct operations and inspections in areas close to popular watering holes and other premises that sell alcohol,” Azisman told The Malaysian Insight.

“We are taking this measure to ensure that motorists follow the law when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol.

“We need to take such drastic measures to prevent the loss of lives to drink-driving.”

Azisman said operations are being held nationwide as the statistics for drink-driving cases increase.

Troubling figures

Since January 1, 22 investigations have been opened involving drink-driving. Prosecutions have started in 10 of these cases.

“Last year, there were 23 investigations and 18 people were charged,” Azisman said, comparing the figures.

This year alone, police conducted 1,213 breathalyser tests on motorists at 278 roadblocks nationwide and of this number 822 were arrested for drink-driving.

Azisman said 29 people were killed in crashes caused by drink drivers from 2018 to May this year.

“We recorded 70 crashes caused by drink-driving during this period – 29 victims died while 41 were injured.”

Azisman warned that stern action and heavy fines will be imposed on individuals found driving under the influence of alcohol.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said yesterday mandatory prison sentences will deter drink-driving.

The police chief said he supported the move by the Transport and Home Ministries to amend the law but that a deterrent sentence should be included.

“A mandatory prison term – that would deter them,” Hamid said.

Islamist party PAS also got in on the act and urged the government to suspend all production, business and sale of alcoholic beverages.

PAS information chief Kamaruzaman Mohamad said the party viewed seriously the recent spate of fatal crashes caused by drunk drivers.

“The tragedy of drink drivers should not be viewed lightly. The mistake was due to the weakness of existing law and enforcement as well as the selfishness and stubbornness of the drunkards,” he had said.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall announced it would freeze all new applications for liquor licences.

City Hall’s Licensing and Petty Traders Development Department made the announcement on Facebook, adding that action would be taken on any premises that sell alcohol without a licence. – June 6, 2020.