LOKE: 1 In 13 Commercial Vehicle Drivers Driving Under Drug Influence

The government plans to change the current legal framework to ensure that drugged driving carries the same severe penalties as drunk driving, which is a major step toward enhancing road safety.

This plan, unveiled by Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, aims to close a significant legal loophole that currently allows only licence suspension as punishment for driving under the influence of drugs, compared to a maximum penalty of RM10,000 in fines and two years in jail for drunk driving.

Loke stated, "Such drivers should be taken out of the road system," underscoring the shortcomings of the existing legal framework, which only permits prosecution once an accident has happened. This reactive strategy falls short of averting possible collisions caused by impaired drivers.

Aiming to proactively remove drug-impaired drivers from the road before they can cause harm, the proposed amendment will be presented at the third Parliament session in October.

He further noted that during a recent five-day special operation, authorities discovered that 21 of the 276 commercial vehicle drivers tested positive for narcotics. This indicates the need for increased enforcement, as statistically, 1 in 13 drivers are technically driving under the influence of drugs.

Harsher punishment will also convey a stronger message that driving while intoxicated is unacceptable and will have dire repercussions. The legal amendment aims not only to deter potential offenders but also to protect the lives of road users.