KUCHING: Drink-drivers can expect no leniency with police determined to pursue every applicable charge against offenders, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah warned today.
The warning follows the recent incident in which an allegedly intoxicated driver rammed through a police roadblock at Jalan Padungan, injuring a senior police officer.
Mohamad Zainal said the 29-year-old suspect has already been charged under several provisions, including the Penal Code and the Police Act for breaching the roadblock.
An additional charge under the Road Transport Act for drink-driving would be pursued once the Chemistry Department confirms the suspect’s blood alcohol content.
“We are waiting for the laboratory report to verify the alcohol content in the suspect’s system,” he said when met by reporters.
He said the public should take the case as a serious reminder following amendments to the Road Transport Act, which now carry heavier penalties for drink-driving offences.
“We want to send a clear message to the public — if you are drunk, do not drive. We will take firm action.
“It is not just the offence of drink-driving. In this case, the suspect also rammed through a police roadblock, so he has been charged for breaching the roadblock, obstructing public servants from carrying out their duties under the Penal Code, and endangering the safety of others under Section 332 of the Penal Code.
“We are taking the maximum possible action so that others will learn from this case. We will not give offenders any leeway. It is not only about drink-driving; any other offences committed will also be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
On the condition of the senior police officer who was struck during the incident, he said the officer has since been discharged from hospital after sustaining injuries to his leg.
Mohamad Zainal added that integrated enforcement operations involving multiple agencies are now being conducted every week across Sarawak as part of ongoing efforts to curb offences such as drink-driving and other road-related crimes.
He said he had instructed all district police chiefs to carry out at least four integrated operations each month since assuming office in September last year.
