JOHOR BARU: A lorry driver was arrested after testing positive for alcohol following a crash in which he reversed into three parked cars along Jalan Impian Emas 6, Taman Impian Emas, yesterday.
The 29-year-old driver, involved in the 9.30pm incident, allegedly moved forward before backing into the vehicles in a public parking lot.
Johor Baru (North) police chief Assistant Commissioner Balveer Singh confirmed that the driver underwent a breathalyser test, which revealed that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit.
The driver was arrested to facilitate investigations into driving under the influence. If convicted, he faces a fine of up to RM30,000, a maximum of two years' imprisonment, or both, along with disqualification from driving.
Additionally, he may be fined RM300 under Rule 10 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 for failing to control his vehicle, which caused the accident.
Previously, the New Straits Times reported that a family who lost loved ones to a road accident is calling for harsher penalties for drink-driving and red-light violations.
Federal Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said that the police were pushing for stricter penalties for drink-driving and red-light violations, citing the rising number of fatalities.
He proposed that offenders be brought to court to ensure accountability and deter reckless behaviour.
Drink-driving is an offence under Section 45 of the Road Transport Act. Those convicted can face fines ranging from RM1,000 to RM5,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or a driving licence suspension of at least two years.