SHAH ALAM, April 4 — Calls are growing for stricter penalties against offenders who drive under influence (DUI), following a recent crash in Klang where a motorcyclist was killed after being hit by an intoxicated driver.
The case drew widespread attention, sparking debate over whether existing laws are sufficient to deter such offences and prevent similar tragedies.
Speaking to Media Selangor, several members of the public urged amendments to the law to impose harsher penalties, with many supporting murder charges for cases that result in death.
Office administrator Nur Fasihah Jaafar, 32, said current punishments are insufficient to act as a deterrent, stressing that stronger action is needed, including the imposition of the death penalty.
“Perpetrators should face the death penalty for taking another person’s life,” she said, adding that it is justified to classify fatal DUI cases as murder. “Such a punishment can serve as a lesson to others who drink and drive.”
Under the Road Transport Act 1987, a person who causes death by driving recklessly or under the influence may face imprisonment of up to 10 years.
On March 29, Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33, was killed after the motorcycle he was riding on was hit by a speeding car driven by technician Saktygaanapathy Ravichandran, 28, along Jalan Raya Barat, Klang. The suspect tested positive for alcohol and drugs.
On April 1, Saktygaanapathy was charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of up to 40 years, and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if the death penalty is not imposed, upon conviction.
He was also charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, and may include a supervision order of up to three years upon conviction.
Meanwhile, freelance business developer Prabu Gurunathan, 34, said harsher punishments such as the death penalty could instill fear among the public, and urged the government to step up awareness campaigns at all levels, similar to anti-drug efforts.
“Many are afraid to do drugs because awareness campaigns have created a sense of fear among the public. (Drink driving) should be the same.
“People should be afraid to even be behind the wheel when they are drunk. We need more awareness and stricter penalties like capital punishment.”
Prabu also proposed that those with DUI convictions be required to pay compensation to victims’ families, although he said that there are concerns that offenders may lack the financial means to do so.
Similarly, assistant lecturer Aiman Daniel, 21, said punishments for DUI offenders must be tightened, particularly when crashes result in death.
“Some people think if a death occurs, the punishment should be equally severe, ‘a life for a life’, but not everyone agrees. Parliament should discuss and improve current DUI laws.
“Punishments like mandatory licence revocation and other strict actions can also be considered,” he said.
On the other hand, business developer Muhammad Danial, 28, said the government must reevaluate existing regulations as DUI cases are growing in number.
“We need heavier sentences, and charging offenders with murder is appropriate in serious cases. It can serve as a warning and make people think twice before driving under the influence,” Danial said.
