KUALA LUMPUR - He rode carefully, obeying the speed limit and keeping to the road shoulder even though the lane was relatively clear at the time. His only intention was to reach his destination safely.
However, the irresponsible action of a man driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs claimed the motorcyclist’s life. In an instant, a wife became a widow, and three young children lost their father.
The tragic accident that occurred on March 29 in Klang, Selangor, sparked public outrage as far too many lives have been lost to drink-driving in recent times.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Mohammed Hasbullah Ali was quoted as saying that 58 fatal accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs were recorded over the past two years, with 27 cases in 2024 and 31 in 2025.
It is not that laws or enforcement are lacking, but a persistent disregard for them causes some people to continue to drive under the influence, putting both their own lives and the lives of others at serious risk.
According to experts, this behaviour stems from normalisation, where repeated acts of drink-driving without immediate consequences gradually desensitise individuals, leading them to underestimate the risks and view such actions as socially acceptable.
Not putting the blame entirely on drivers, social expert Dr Hezzrin Mohd Pauzi opined that societal attitudes also contribute to the problem.
"I see this issue not solely as the fault of the drivers concerned, but also as something linked to society, which at times remains tolerant and reluctant to speak up and reject drink-driving as completely unacceptable,” she said.
Hezzrin, who is head of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability Studies at the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, added that some people tend to underestimate the dangers of driving while intoxicated and their behaviour causes others to assume that drink-driving is not dangerous.
"Such behaviour can become normalised through everyday interactions - a process known as social learning, where individuals ‘learn’ by observing those around them.
"For instance, when they see others drinking and then getting behind the wheel, and no one speaks up - often out of fear (to speak up) - it indirectly leads some to perceive it (drink-driving) as acceptable or not a serious offence,” she said.
Going against the common view that points to weak enforcement by authorities, Hezzrin said in reality, it is not solely the responsibility of the police or enforcement agencies to identify drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
"Monitoring who consumes alcohol is not within police control. However, police can conduct operations, especially in areas near nightclubs or entertainment outlets. Enforcement officers may also take immediate action to detain intoxicated individuals and ensure they do not drive.
"Nevertheless, society must also play a proactive role. People must remain aware and take this issue seriously. For example, if someone appears intoxicated and intends to drive, they must be stopped,” she stressed.
Hezzrin also pointed out that alcohol acts as a depressant, a substance that slows down the central nervous system and impairs a person’s ability to control themselves.
In this state, the person is more likely to take risks, become less cautious, and act impulsively without thinking of the consequences.
"Even when they know that drinking and driving is wrong, their ability to make rational decisions has already declined. This is where society must step in and play its role,” she said.
She added that ego and self-control are also key factors. Some individuals convince themselves with thoughts like, "I’m used to driving while drunk” or "I can still handle it,” especially if they have done so before without getting into an accident.
Repeated experiences like this can make them desensitised, causing them to view drink-driving as normal and ignore the potential consequences of their actions.
"As a result, even with strict laws (and heavy penalties), the problem persists because the behaviour has become habitual for some.
"But it does not mean laws and punishment are unimportant. They remain essential as a legal foundation and a deterrent. But for real change to happen, social norms that reject drink-driving must move in tandem with enforcement,” she said.
She said social norms around drink-driving must shift, framing it as shameful, dangerous and completely unacceptable.
"I see this as more effective because the awareness that the act of driving while drunk is dangerous is reinforced within the individual… then, there is also the social pressure, including criticism from people around them who completely reject drink driving,” she added.
Hezzrin also called for sales of alcohol to be better regulated, suggesting that it could be limited to certain hours rather than being available all day.
She also recommended that individuals planning to go out to consume alcohol arrange for a designated driver to take them home safely instead of driving themselves.
This not only enhances safety but also raises public awareness about the importance of protecting both oneself and other road users.
In Malaysia, several online platforms, including DDdrive and Buddy Driver, offer designated driver services, but their use remains limited, particularly among those who drink while socialising.
"Many (intoxicated) people still prefer to rely on friends who have not been drinking to drive them home. Others opt for e-hailing services like Grab as some car owners may feel uncomfortable letting strangers drive their personal vehicles,” she added.
Hezzrin pointed out that driving under the influence not only endangers public safety but also carries significant social and economic consequences for the country. This is because, in many cases, both offenders and victims are part of the productive workforce.
"In accidents caused by drunk drivers, offenders may face imprisonment, resulting in the loss of workers. Victims, on the other hand, may lose their lives or suffer permanent injuries that affect their ability to work.
"This ultimately reduces national productivity and increases the burden on healthcare and social welfare systems,” she explained, noting that such losses are largely preventable compared to other types of road accidents.
She said the drink-driving issue must be addressed seriously through effective preventive measures to safeguard public safety and ensure stable national development.
"One careless decision can lead to loss of life, permanent injury and lasting trauma. The message that must be ingrained is simple: if you drink, don’t drive, and if you see someone drinking, don’t let them drive,” she said.
"Although drink-driving is not the only cause of road accidents, it must be treated seriously because its consequences are often severe, involving deaths, serious injuries, and trauma for victims and their families.”
Meanwhile, lawyer Siti Hajar Aisyah Mohd Pozi said legal action against drink-driving in Malaysia varies depending on whether the offence involves an accident, injury or death.
For drink-driving cases with no accident involved, offenders are usually charged under Section 45A of the Road Transport Act 1987 for exceeding the legal blood alcohol concentration, which is currently 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
A first offence may result in up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of between RM10,000 and RM30,000, and a two-year licence suspension.
Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including up to five years in prison, fines of between RM20,000 and RM50,000, and a five-year licence suspension.
However, in cases involving accidents that cause injury or death, offenders may be charged under Section 44 of the same Act. If death is caused, the penalty can range from 10 to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of between RM50,000 and RM100,000.
Siti Hajar Aisyah said investigations and prosecutions for road offences, including fatal accidents involving drunk drivers, are generally conducted under the Road Transport Act 1987.
"However, in the recent drink-driving incident in Klang, which caused the death of a motorcyclist, the driver was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code… it reflects how seriously authorities and the judicial system view drink-driving,” she said.
In such cases, prosecutors have the discretion to use more severe provisions, including provisions under Section 300(d) of the Penal Code, which may apply in cases of reckless driving carried out with knowledge of its high likelihood of causing death.
"Section 300(d) provides for mandatory imprisonment if the offence meets the prescribed criminal elements. However, the decision to use any of these provisions lies entirely within the power of the deputy public prosecutor based on the evidence and investigation, and the judge (court) will make a decision based on the charges presented by the public prosecutor,” she said.
She added that non-fatal drink-driving accident cases are often treated as civil matters, allowing victims to seek compensation from the drivers concerned through legal action, including claims against their insurance companies.
Siti Hajar Aisyah also said that seasonal enforcement operations may contribute to the persistence of drink-driving offences despite stricter penalties.
"When enforcement is seen as seasonal, people tend to be cautious only during roadblocks, especially during festive periods, rather than complying with the law consistently.
"This shows that tackling drink-driving requires a more comprehensive approach, including greater public awareness, community cooperation and consistent enforcement,” she said.
On March 29, 33-year-old motorcyclist Amirul Hafiz Omar was killed after being struck by a driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs in an incident at around 11.47 am along Jalan Raya Barat, Klang.
Video footage of the crash went viral on social media, showing a car speeding, overtaking on a double line, and crashing into the victim’s motorcycle, throwing him onto another vehicle.
The driver R. Saktygaanapathy, 28, was charged at the Klang Magistrate’s Court on April 1 under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or up to 40 years’ imprisonment and caning if convicted.
On April 8, another man was charged at the Tawau Magistrate’s Court for driving under the influence and causing the death of a woman who was jogging along Jalan Apas in August last year. The victim Darna Tajudin, 41, died after being hit by a Toyota Hilux driven by the accused, who was found to have exceeded the legal alcohol consumption limit.
On Nov 16, 2024, a married couple Mohd Ridzwan Mohd Rudi and Linda Mohd A. Aziz, both 35, were killed when their Honda Vario motorcycle was struck by a Perodua Alza driven by a drunk driver in Pasir Gudang, Johor. They left behind five children aged between three and 15, including one with disabilities. - BERNAMA