Stricter enforcement, not alcohol ban, the key to curb drink-driving - Nik Nazmi

SHAH ALAM – Banning alcohol may appear to be the simplest answer to drink-driving, but it could create more harm than good.

Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the priority, instead, was stricter enforcement and smarter regulation.

“I think we have to find a middle ground. Drink driving is a serious problem and we’ve seen many incidents and victims because of it,” he said.

Recent months have seen several high-profile accidents across the country linked to driving under the influence. Authorities reported that fatalities and injuries in alcohol-related road accidents remain a concern, prompting calls from public safety advocates for tougher measures.

However, Nik Nazmi cautioned that a total alcohol ban could have unintended consequences.

“Yes, we are a majority Muslim country, but we also have a significant non-Muslim population, not just in the Peninsular but also in Sabah and Sarawak. If we go for a total ban, we may face other issues,” he said.

He cited historical examples, including the United States during the 1920s, when alcohol prohibition led people to make their own illegal brews, often unsafe and more harmful.

“A total ban may sound appealing and like a simple solution, but it may not solve the issue. If there is still demand, people may turn to illegal means.

“We already see this in Malaysia with smuggled goods, like cigarettes, which remained an ongoing problem,” he added.

Nik Nazmi stressed that stronger enforcement of existing laws and tighter regulations, where needed, would be more effective.

“Better enforcement by the authorities, including the police and Road Transport Department, especially on drunk driving, is key,” he said.

He also urged public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, coupled with regular checks and monitoring to deter offenders.