M’sians Urge Govt to Review Law After Motorist Killed by Driver Under Influence of Alcohol & Drugs in Klang

Last Sunday (29 March), a motorcyclist was killed after being hit by a car along Jalan Raya Barat in Klang.

A video of the incident later went viral, showing the suspect’s car, a Honda City, entering the opposite lane at high speed before colliding with a motorcycle. The impact of the crash was so severe that the motorcyclist was sent flying into the air before landing on a Perodua Myvi.

Image Credit: Mingguan Wanita

Sadly, the motorcyclist, later identified as Amirul Hafiz Omar, did not survive the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a report by Harian Metro, the victim was said to have left behind a wife and three children aged nine, seven and two. He was also described by his colleagues as a hardworking individual who worked two jobs to support his family.

Meanwhile, police screening tests later revealed that the suspect, a local man in his 20s, tested positive for both alcohol and drugs.

Image Credit: Facebook

He has since been detained, and the case is currently being investigated under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. If convicted, the suspect may face imprisonment of not less than 10 years and not more than 15 years, a fine of between RM50,000 and RM100,000, and immediate suspension of his driving licence.

Additionally, the case is also being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM5,000, imprisonment of up to two years, and supervision for between two and three years, if convicted.

Malaysians urge harsher punishment

On social media, Malaysians have been voicing their opinions on the incident. Many condemned the driver’s irresponsible actions while urging the Malaysian government to review existing laws, noting that this case is not the first of its kind in the country.

Image Credit: Threads

“Drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents should be jailed for life and caned. Their assets and EPF funds should also be seized and given to the victim’s family as compensation. Their driving licences should be revoked immediately. Enough is enough!”

Image Credit: Threads

Opposition MPs urge consideration of death penalty

Echoing public sentiment, some Members of Parliament (MPs) have also urged the Malaysian government to impose harsher punishment, including reviewing the possibility of implementing the death penalty for drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents.

Image Credit: Astro Awani

In a statement, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal said existing laws are ineffective in deterring drunk-driving offences following the viral accident in Klang.

“We urge the government to adopt more stringent measures by reviewing the death penalty for drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents. This is not just about punishment — it should serve as a clear message that human lives must not be taken lightly, and any action that endangers others will be punished harshly."

He added, "It’s time we take more drastic measures to protect people’s lives and ensure justice for the victims.”

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal also stated that drunk drivers who choose to drive despite being impaired should be treated under the law as having intent to kill.

Meanwhile, another MP, Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, suggested that even if the death penalty is not imposed, drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents should be required to compensate the victim’s family.

“Those who kill another without justification should be punished with death in retaliation — a life for a life. This is the ruling in Islam. Alternatively, if the victim’s family chooses to forgive the offender, compensation should be paid to the family, in addition to serving a prison sentence."

Featured Image Credit: Instagram, Mingguan Wanita, The Star