PETALING JAYA: The punishment for driving under the influence and reckless driving will be heavier as the Transport Ministry moves to amend the Road Transport Act.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said a special meeting was chaired by him yesterday to discuss amendments to Section 41 to 45 of the Road Transport Act.

“It’s regarding punishments for those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and reckless driving.

“It is for sure that the punishments for those offences will be increased in order to serve as a lesson and to tackle the issue,” he said in a statement on Facebook.

Dr Wee’s remarks came following another case early yesterday morning, where a motorcyclist, who was on his way home and was struck by a car believed to be driven by a drunk driver.

Dr Wee said he also ordered the Transport Ministry officers to prepare a Cabinet Minister Memorandum in order to get a clearance from the Cabinet for the amendments this month.

“Proposals to amend the Act have taken into account the views of every stakeholder, including the public,” he added.

There has been an increase in drink-driving incidents during the movement control order, and multiple quarters have called for a review of the present laws.

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