Several politicians and NGO leaders have urged the government against rushing into banning the sale of alcohol and instead come up with a comprehensive solution to address the issue of drink-driving.
Rather than merely imposing restrictions on the consumption or sale of alcohol, they argued that self-awareness and stricter enforcement of existing laws would not only solve the issue of drink-driving but all other forms of accidents due to negligence.
Senator T Mohan argued that restrictions imposed on adults would not work and the government should instead start with awareness campaigns at the school level.
"It must start in the schools to create awareness on the dangers of alcohol. I believe this would help prevent our children from being exposed to alcohol," he told Malaysiakini.
Mohan further said the government should respect the rights of Malaysians to indulge in alcoholic drinks.
"To ban the sale of alcohol is irrelevant. At the same time, it will also cost the government RM5 billion in annual import duties. This sector also involves more than 25,000 workers. So the government must be careful before taking any action," he said.
Quizzed on road accidents due to drunk drivers, Mohan described the incidents as saddening.
"I agree there needs to be a comprehensive law that involves the sale of alcohol, cheap liquor and stern actions on accidents due to negligence," he said.
On the other hand, Seberang Perai city councillor David Marshel said the government should regulate the time and locations where one could purchase and drink alcohol.
"I am of the opinion that permission to sell alcohol in a majority of locations should be revoked. Right now there is a rule that sundry shops are not allowed to sell alcohol after 9pm but it is not well-enforced," he said.
"For example, in Seberang Perai, there are more than 600 premises that sell alcohol and we only have nine customs officers to monitor enforcement. It is impossible for them to do that," he noted.
As an alternative, Marshel, who is also chief coordinator for NGO Malaysia Anti- Cheap Liquor, said the government should consider giving special permits for shops that are only allowed to sell alcohol and cigarettes.
"For example, if the shop is allowed to sell alcoholic beverages, it can also sell cigarettes but no other items. These shops should only be allowed to open until 9pm and this would help to reduce the issue of drunk drivers," he said.
Meanwhile, NGO Gagasan Sosial Dinamik president V Thiagarajen took a swipe at PAS' proposal to suspend the production and sale of alcohol, claiming that it was made with a "hidden agenda" to put a racial twist on the drink-driving issue.
"It's not just me. Many others are questioning why PAS only focused on the issue of alcohol and not drug addiction.
"I have never read statements from any PAS leader urging the government to take stern actions against violence caused by drug addiction. So does PAS have a hidden agenda?" he questioned.
Their responses came in the wake of PAS Information chief Kamarulzaman Mohamad's call for the government to urgently suspend the production and sale of alcohol until a solution is found to the rising numbers of accidents involving drunk drivers.
Thiagarajen further described Kamarulzaman's proposal as being "immature", pointing out that the negligence of motorcyclists on the road has been attributed as a major cause of accidents.
"Will PAS demand for a ban of motorcycles in Malaysia after this?" said Thiagarajen who nevertheless voiced support for overall stricter legislations against errant drivers who caused deaths on the road. - Mkini
How come there is no calls for comprehensive solution to snatch theft, mat rempit and corrupt practices? Just because alcohol is synonymous to kafirs?
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