ALCOHOL, while commonly consumed for enjoyment, comes with significant responsibilities, moral obligations, and the need for heightened awareness of public safety, according of the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) Director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said today.
“The primary challenge is not merely enforcement on the ground, but cultivating awareness, responsibility and moral values among road users,” he said.
He highlighted that individuals who continue to treat driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs lightly are a major contributing factor to accidents.
“The attitude of those who still underestimate the offence of driving under the influence is a key factor in the occurrence of these cases.
“Therefore, the most effective solution must begin at the grassroots level through the cultivation of strong personal discipline and moral values in society,” Harian Metro reported him saying.
Muhammed Hasbullah explained that the police will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the media to disseminate traffic safety messages widely.
He emphasised the importance of advocacy through impactful and realistic campaigns to raise deep-rooted awareness of the dangers posed by drunk driving.
Recent media reports have highlighted that a lack of awareness regarding road safety culture and a careless attitude remain leading causes of accidents involving intoxicated drivers. Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, coordinator of the Malaysian Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council (VTAREC), also stressed that society must prioritise a culture of road safety akin to that in developed nations. - April 2, 2026
