JPJ begins review of Road Transport Act to impose heavier penalties on drunk and drugged drivers, alongside plans for aggressive advocacy campaigns.
PUTRAJAYA: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has initiated a review of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987 to enable heavier penalties for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the legal division is studying Sections 44 and 45 of the act.
He stated the process will precede any submission to Transport Minister Anthony Loke and the Ministry of Transport for a final decision.
“The Minister of Transport has ordered the MOT and also the JPJ to review Section 44 and Section 45 under APJ,” Aedy Fadly said.
He explained the goal is to impose tougher and more decisive action on driving under the influence (DUI) offenders.
Following a JPJ assembly, he announced plans for more aggressive advocacy programmes on the dangers of drunk or drugged driving.
“We will make preparations for more aggressive advocacy to combat drunk drivers on the road,” he added.
Regarding a proposal for a special court for serious accident cases, Aedy Fadly said JPJ welcomes the idea.
He acknowledged it involves implications like financial and manpower resources.
“But if there is a government decision to establish a special court, we will very much welcome it,” he said.
Last Monday, Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry is drafting further amendments to Section 44.
These proposed amendments include mandating compensation to victims’ families.
The review follows recent fatal and injurious accidents allegedly involving drunk drivers.
