Police Seek Stricter DUI Penalties After 120 Fatal Accidents Recorded Since 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — A total of 120 fatal road accidents caused by driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol were recorded nationwide between 2023 and June 2026, prompting traffic police to push for significantly harsher statutory penalties.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali revealed today that out of the total fatalities, 94 crashes were caused by drivers under the influence of illicit drugs, while 26 cases involved alcohol intoxication.

To curb persistent driving under the influence, JSPT intends to initiate formal discussions with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to propose a comprehensive review of existing legal penalties to make them stricter while raising public deterrence.

Muhammed Hasbullah stressed that despite police intensifying enforcement operations across the nation, many motorists continue to display a careless attitude toward road safety, making statutory review a necessity.

“The public seems undeterred and considers this matter trivial, whereas the risk of accidents affecting innocent road users is very high,” he said at a JSPT press conference here today.

Highlighting enforcement statistics from January to June 2026, Muhammed Hasbullah stated that police carried out 1,634 Op Mabuk targeted enforcement operations nationwide. This represents a 136.1 per cent surge compared to the 692 operations conducted during the same period in 2025.

Through these operations in the first six months of this year, authorities arrested 949 individuals, up from 930 arrests in the corresponding period last year. Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest number of detentions with 268 cases, followed by Johor with 223, Selangor with 182, Sabah with 95, and Sarawak with 62.

Demographic data showed that men formed the vast majority of those detained, totaling 895 individuals or 94.3 per cent, while women accounted for 54 arrests or 5.7 per cent. In terms of age distribution, drivers aged 31 and above contributed nearly three-quarters of all detentions.

Detailing legal actions initiated under Section 45A of the Road Transport Act 1987 between Jan 1 and June 30 this year, Muhammed Hasbullah confirmed that 1,040 investigation papers were opened, compared to 870 in 2025. Court prosecutions also saw an increase, rising to 589 cases this year compared to 486 cases in 2025, while 414 cases resulted in court convictions and sentencing compared to 334 last year.

Muhammed Hasbullah reaffirmed that JSPT will continue to step up Op Mabuk operations nationwide without compromise against any individual violating traffic laws, emphasizing that strict action remains vital to protecting road users and preventing further loss of life.

-NMT