KUALA LUMPUR: With the reopening of pubs and bars from May this year, police anti-drink driving operations have been in full swing.
In the capital city alone, a total of 55 operations, codenamed Ops Mabuk, were held in May and June, especially during weekends, and 339 motorists were nabbed.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said they had been diligently conducting such operations.
“We will continue to do so as consistency is vital in curbing this menace,” he told The Star yesterday.
Comm Azmi said 227 operations were conducted last year and 170 so far this year.
“We detained 1,075 individuals during Ops Mabuk last year. As at June this year, 1,116 individuals have been detained,” he said.
Comm Azmi said the police hoped the tougher penalties now would significantly reduce the number of people who drink and drive.
“It is certainly our hope that drink driving offences will go down.”
Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Sasikala Devi Subramaniam said awareness about the stricter laws should be more widespread.
“We see now that more people are taking ehailing rides home after drinking. This is because news about drunk drivers is being spread, so they opt not to drink and drive.”
DCP Sasikala said 255 people had been arrested for drink driving so far this year, while the number was 210 last year.
“I think over time, people will realise that they will have to use other means to go home such as booking a car or getting their family members to fetch them,” she said.
The Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2020, which carries heavier penalties for traffic offences, particularly related to Sections 41 to 45, came into force on Oct 23, 2020.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has said that he hoped the latest amendments would create greater awareness among road users on obeying traffic laws.
