The Member of Parliament (MP) for Machang, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, has called for harsher punishments for drunk drivers following recent reports of a fatal accident in Klang.
The incident involved a motorcyclist who was killed after being struck by a driver under the influence of alcohol. According to Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, existing laws are ineffective in deterring drunk drivers, particularly as such tragedies continue to recur.
“If you’re drunk driving, you intend to kill“
In a statement posted on his Facebook page today (30 March), the Machang MP argued that the loss of life was not merely an accident, but should be treated as a serious crime born of recklessness.
“It turns out that the existing penalties have failed to provide a sufficient deterrent. Incidents like these continue to happen, proving that the current legal approach is no longer adequate to address the increasingly alarming issue of drunk driving,” he stated.
Demanding the death penalty
In light of this heartbreaking matter, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal noted that the opposition bloc is calling on the government to adopt more stringent measures. This includes reviewing the possibility of imposing the death penalty on drunk drivers whose actions result in fatalities.
He emphasised that this is not only about punishment, but about sending a firm message that human life is invaluable and that reckless behaviour endangering others will carry the gravest consequences.
He further urged the government to act swiftly to revise current legislation, strengthen enforcement efforts, and enhance public awareness regarding the dangers of driving under the influence.
“If one chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, the law should consider them as having the intention to kill. Such actions are highly risky and endanger the lives of others.
“Lives, once lost, cannot be restored. Stronger, more decisive actions are required to safeguard public safety and uphold justice. A life for a life!”
Support from the Opposition bloc
Meanwhile, Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, the MP for Alor Setar (Perikatan Nasional), echoed these sentiments, stating that drunk driving equates to an intention to kill.
In his own statement today, Afnan suggested that if a convicted drunk driver is not sentenced to death, they should at least be required to compensate the family members of the deceased.
“A person who intentionally kills another without justification should be punished with death in retaliation. A life for a life! This is the ruling in Islam,” he said.
In the latest update, the driver involved in the fatal Klang accident has been remanded in the custody of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for four days, effective from today.
