Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke said that at least one in thirteen heavy vehicle drivers were found to be positive for drugs.
He also said, “In the Commercial Vehicle Special Operation from August 1 to August 4, a total of 21 drivers were found positive for drugs as a result of the urine test screening of 276 commercial vehicle drivers.
“We do not compromise with drivers who are not competent in operating commercial vehicles and public transport,” he said.
Therefore, his ministry wants to reform Act 333 (Road Transport Act 1987) in order to include stricter punishments for drivers who drive under the influence of drugs.
This is because the existing law is not strict enough in punishing drivers who take drugs, because the suspect cannot be prosecuted if he is not involved in any accident.
However, said Loke, if a driver is tested positive for drugs during a roadblock operation, only his license will be be suspendedin accordance with Section 36.
“The ministry is currently in the process of amending Act 333 but we see that there is concern in the use of drugs by drivers of commercial vehicles and based on the current punishment, we do not want to wait for accidents to occur due to the behaviour of these drivers.
“So it is necessary for the ministry to stop the activity of taking drugs while driving and I myself will discuss further with ministry officials and legal officials to see this matter from a stricter legal aspect,” he said.
“I don’t accept the term casually taking drugs while driving, because the effect is the same as those who are drunk, i.e. they will hallucinate and can affect driving, including speeding.
“These people may be using drugs to stimulate long-distance driving,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the Special Integrated Operation of Tourism Vehicles and Public Service Vehicles (Tourist and Express Buses) held from 2nd to 31st July, a total of 19,456 vehicles have been subjected to action.
“Out of that number, 667 vehicles were prosecuted, with 14 of them confiscated.
“As a result of the inspection of 2,547 sightseeing and express bus drivers, a total of 26 drivers were also screened positive for drugs,” he said.
