The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has issued a stern warning to road users to adhere to the traffic laws in our country.
Taking to its official Facebook page, the police reminded Malaysians that racing and driving in a zig-zag motion is strictly prohibited on Malaysian roads as such acts are a danger to other road users.
In the post, PDRM asserted that a driver or rider that drives and overtakes in a zig-zag manner is an offence under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous driving.
The police stressed that if one is found guilty under the provision, they may face imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine between RM5,000 to RM15,000.
Besides that, if the driver or rider is a P licence holder, the license will immediately be revoked. Moreover, any repeat offences will make the offender face up to 10 years in jail and a fine between RM10,000 to RM20,000, as well as being banned from holding a driving license for 10 years.
To find out more regarding the law on this matter, we got in contact with Luqman bin Mazlan, a Malaysian lawyer who is a partner at Kuala Lumpur-based law firm ADIL Legal.
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Luqman clarified that while Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987 didn’t specifically mention racing or driving in zig-zag, those who commit such an act on the road are still considered offenders under the provision.
For illustration purposes
This is because Section 42(1) considers an individual to have committed an offence of reckless and dangerous driving if they:
- Drive a motor vehicle on a road recklessly
- Drive at a speed or in a manner which having regard to all the circumstances (including the nature, condition and size of the road and the amount of traffic which is or might be expected to be on the road) is dangerous to the public
Besides that, Luqman added that Section 42(3) of the Road Transport Act 1987 also prohibits a person convicted under this section to be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 5 years from the date of the conviction.
For illustration purposes
So, what do you guys think of the laws regarding driving recklessly in our country? Should the relevant laws be amended for increased punishments?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
