KUCHING: The police detained three local men along Jalan Tabuan last night on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol during an operation against drink-driving.
Kuching District Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, said the men, aged between 24 and 65, were stopped and subjected to breathalyser tests, which showed all three had exceeded the legal limit of 50 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
“All the suspects were taken to IPD Kuching for further investigation under Section 45A(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
“If convicted, they face a fine of between RM10,000 and RM30,000 and up to two years in jail, besides being barred from holding or obtaining a driving licence for at least two years.
“For repeat offenders, the penalties are heavier – imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000, and disqualification from holding or obtaining a licence for not less than five years,” he said in a statement.
Alexson added that during the operation, carried out by the district police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division from 11:00 pm on August 21 to 3:00 am today, involved two senior officers and 11 personnel.
“During the operation, police inspected 84 individuals and 76 vehicles, comprising 23 cars, 30 motorcycles, 11 four-wheel drives and 12 MPVs.
“A total of 27 summonses were also issued for various traffic offences,” he said.
Alexson stressed that such operations would be conducted from time to time to curb drink-driving and reduce road accidents.
“Road users are reminded not to drive while intoxicated as it endangers not only themselves but also other road users,” he said.
