How will the amended Road Transport Act address drug-driving offences?

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The Road Transport Act Will Be Amended to Penalise Drug-Driving Even Without Accidents

The Malaysian government plans to amend Section 45A of the Road Transport Act 1987 to criminalise driving under the influence of drugs, irrespective of whether an accident occurs. This proposed amendment, which aims to introduce penalties comparable to those for drunk driving, is scheduled to be presented to Parliament in October. The current legislation is deemed insufficient as it only allows for prosecution if a drug-related incident results in a collision.
Stricter Penalties for Drug-Driving Proposed

The proposed changes seek to impose a maximum fine of RM10,000 and a two-year prison sentence on individuals found to be driving while under the influence of drugs. This is in line with the penalties currently applicable to drunk driving offences under the same section of the Act. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook highlighted that under the existing law, drivers testing positive for drugs can only have their licences suspended if no accident occurs, preventing prosecution.
Aim to Remove Drug-Impaired Drivers from Roads

The rationale behind the amendment is to proactively remove drivers who have consumed drugs from the road system, thereby enhancing public safety. The government considers it inappropriate to wait for an accident to occur before taking stringent action against such drivers. The intention is to address the issue of drug-impaired driving as a standalone offence, regardless of its immediate consequences.
Alarming Drug Use Among Commercial Drivers

Recent enforcement operations have underscored the urgency for these legislative changes. A special operation conducted by the Road Transport Department screened 276 commercial vehicle drivers, with 21 individuals testing positive for drugs. This statistic indicates that approximately one in every 13 commercial drivers tested was found to be operating under the influence of drugs, a situation described as highly concerning by the Transport Minister.

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How will the amended Road Transport Act address drug-driving offences?

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