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A total of 1,261 cases of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol resulted in convictions between January and November last year, said the Transport Ministry
In a written parliamentary reply on Monday, 23 February, the ministry said the offenders were charged under Sections 44, 45, and 45a of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), which carry stiffer penalties.
The prison sentence for DUI causing death has been raised from between three and 10 years, to 10 and 15 years.
For second convictions, the prison sentence has been raised from between 10 and 15 years, to 15 and 20 years, signalling the government's commitment to deterring DUI offences.
"In the meantime, the Transport Ministry will continue to collaborate with the Home Ministry and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to strengthen enforcement activities across the country," it said.
The ministry's response comes after Shah Alam member of parliament Azli Yusof asked about the effectiveness of amendments to the Road Transport Act that impose heavier penalties for DUI offences.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via KosmoIn October last year, the ministry said drunk drivers were involved in less than 0.5% of fatal crashes between 2022 and June 2025
In 2023, 13 cases were recorded, accounting for about 0.2% of the 6,473 fatal road accidents reported that year.
In 2024, 12 cases were recorded, making up 0.19% of the 6,464 fatal road accidents.
Meanwhile, the number of DUI cases has also declined over the years, dropping from 2,306 in 2022 to 1,589 in 2024.
