IGP all for mandatory jail sentence for drunk drivers

The country’s top cop is all for a mandatory jail sentence for drunk drivers.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said there should be a provision for mandatory jail sentence for those convicted of drink-driving to serve as a deterrent.

“It seems the more we talk about drink-driving, another case emerges.

“I will support any move by the Home Ministry and the Transport Ministry to amend the law.

“Different judges may have different interpretation of the law. So if we make it mandatory, it will be a strong deterrent to those who think they can drink and drive,” he told a press conference after receiving the first batch of 30 new Honda Civic patrol cars at the Home Ministry yesterday.

The handing over ceremony was officiated by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Abdul Hamid.

The IGP said the cost to maintain the old vehicles was much higher, describing it as “beyond economical repair”.

Abdul Hamid said the full delivery of the 425 new patrol cars under the first batch was expected to be completed before the end of next month.

A second batch of 850 cars is expected to be received by September.

On another matter, Abdul Hamid described the incident where an inmate tested positive for Covid-19 in Sungai Buloh prison as “extraordinary”.

“He was there since 2016 and had not mixed with people from outside. About three months ago, the inmate was taken to court.

“Later, he tested positive, so how he got infected, we don’t know.”

The IGP said a discussion was held with Prisons Department director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Omar on the matter.

“He (Zulkifli) has asked for all detainees to be sent to the prisons to first undergo Covid-19 screening.”