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PETALING JAYA: The amended Road Transportation Act (2020), which carries a more severe penalty for reckless drinking and driving, will take effect on October 23.
Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong said this follows the signing of the gazette today. It was first approved in Dewan Rakyat on August 26 and in Dewan Negara on September 22.
The actual consent was obtained from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on October 16.
Wee said the Highway Transportation (Amendment) Act of 2020 will carry more severe penalties for traffic offenses, particularly in relation to Sections 41-45 on reckless driving and under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We hope that the latest amendments will create greater public awareness among road users to obey traffic laws to ensure that our roads are safer for everyone,” he said in a statement today.
He added that, in addition to commitments to civil society organizations, the amended law also took into account the views of the public.
A survey conducted by the ministry with more than 345,000 respondents showed that 94% agreed with more severe penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
