THE government proposes to raise the minimum punishment for reckless and dangerous driving that causes death to five to 10 years’ jail and a fine of RM20,000-50,000, via the Road Transport Act amendment bill.

Transport Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong tabled the bill for the first reading today in the Dewan Rakyat after the morning question-and-answer session.

The bill will also raise the penalty for the second and subsequent convictions to 10-15 years’ jail and fine of RM50,000-100,000.

A person convicted under Section 41 for dangerous driving will also be barred from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for a period of not less than five years, from the current three years.

The amendment bill also seeks to increase the fine for reckless driving from between RM4,000-RM10,000 to RM10,000-RM15,000.

Aimed at curbing drink driving, the amendment bill seeks to increase the punishments under Section 44 on driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The legal amendments in the bill will make drink-driving that causes death punishable by a jail term of 10-15 years and a fine of RM100,000.

Subsequent convictions will come with a jail term of 15-20 years and a fine between RM100,000-RM150,000.

Drink-driving that causes injury not amounting to death will face a jail term of 7-10 years and a fine of RM30,000-RM50,000.

Subsequent convictions come with a jail term of 10-15 years and a fine of RM50,000-RM100,000.

Persons convicted of drink driving will not be allowed to hold a driving licence for a period of not less than seven years from the date of conviction.

In the case of a second conviction, the person will be disqualified from driving for 10 years from the date of conviction.

The penalties will also be amended under Section 45 on “being in charge of a motor vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs”.

The amendments will increase the fine for the offence from RM1,000 to RM1,000-RM5,000 and a jail term not exceeding five years for first time offenders. Subsequent offenders face a fine of RM5,000-RM10,000 and will be liable for a jail term not more than five years.

They will also be disqualified for holding a licence for a period no less than two years. Subsequent offenders will be barred from driving for five years.

Persons, when driving or attempting to drive, while intoxicated face jail terms not more than two years and a fine of RM10,000-RM30,000. Subsequent convictions face a jail term not more than five years and a fine of RM20,000-RM50,000.

The amendment also seeks to change Section 45C on “prescribed alcohol limit”.

The proposed amendment aims to set the limit at 22mg of alcohol in 100mm of breath, 50mg of alcohol in 100mm of blood, or 56mm of alcohol in 100mm of urine. – July 27, 2020.