Local councils, nightlife venue operators need to set up designated pickup areas, overnight parking arrangements and voluntary breathalyser screening to ensure safety of drivers: Group
PETALING JAYA: Predictable enforcement patterns and limited late-night transport options are among factors contributing to motorists continuing to drive after drinking alcohol, according to the Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association.
Its president Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor told theSun that despite heavier penalties and public awareness campaigns, some drivers believe they can avoid detection by authorities as roadblocks are often conducted at familiar or fixed locations.
“Deterrence depends on the certainty of being caught.
If roadblocks can be anticipated, people will simply adjust their routes.
That weakens enforcement,” he said in a written reply.
Md Hairolazaman pointed out that the lack of late-night transport alternatives and safe e-hailing pickup zones near entertainment districts also influenced the issue.
“Some drivers choose to drive home rather than pay (peak) fares or leave their vehicles overnight in the vicinity of these entertainment outlets,” he said.
He added that policy coordination should extend beyond law enforcement agencies, involving local councils and nightlife venue operators in setting up designated pickup areas, overnight parking arrangements and voluntary breathalyser screening.
Many drivers underestimate how alcohol affects judgment and confidence.
“That is why driver education should also teach what impairment caused by alcohol consumption looks like in real situations, and how to manage peer pressure when faced with social drinking,” he said.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said while drink-driving cases make up only a small number of total road fatalities annually, the behaviour remains highly dangerous because a single impaired driver could cause multiple casualties in one incident.
“Even if the numbers are small, the danger is extremely real.
One impaired driver is enough to take lives.
This is not about the percentage, it is about the severity of the outcome,” he told theSun via phone.
Wong said Malaysia should begin evaluating systems that prevent the act before the vehicle moves, rather than relying solely on enforcement after the offence.
“We should start exploring preventive in-vehicle technologies to reduce the risk of drink-driving.”
On enforcement, Wong emphasised the principle of “Sure, Swift and Severe”.
“’Sure’ means the evidence is clear and reliable.
The testing devices must be accurate and trustworthy.
“’Swift’ means action must be taken immediately.
If a summons arrives two or three years later, there is no deterrent effect.
“’Severe’ means the consequences must leave an impact, not physical punishment, but a penalty that truly reminds drivers of the danger they pose,” he said.
However, Wong added that technology and penalties cannot replace awareness and responsibility.
“Ultimately, drink-driving is a personal decision.
“If someone chooses to drink, they must also choose how to get home (safely).”
