A study released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) back in 2018 revealed Malaysia’s low drink-driving fatality rate.
The Malaysian government has always taken a hard line when it comes to drink-driving and issues surrounding alcohol consumption. And perhaps some of these measures have been effective, as the last WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety showed that Malaysia had amongst the lowest drink-driving death rates in the world.
The report stated that in 2016, less than 1% of road traffic deaths involved alcohol despite 100% testing of all drivers involved in fatal accidents. That’s exceptionally low. In contrast, 6% fatal traffic incidents in Singapore involved alcohol consumption, and the numbers are much higher in Thailand (14%) and Myanmar (21%).
However, the report also mentioned that enformence of drink-driving rules in Malaysia isn’t particularly impressive, with a score of just 4/10.
This report isn’t particularly breaking news, being published back in 2018 based on data collected in preceding years, but it is relevant to the current anti-alcohol-consumption sentiment being pushed by the federal government.
Just this week, DBKL blocked the sale of liquor at supermarkets, marts and Chinese Medicinal Halls and there are indications that other municipalities will follow suit. Last year, Transport Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong proposed significantly harsher punishments and lower tolerances for drink driving in Malaysia.
Perhaps what needs to be looked at is better enforcement, better education and other solutions.
Other takeaways from the report
The WHO study also took note of other road safety metrics from the Traffic Investigations and Enforcement Department of The Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).
Some good news first. As of 2016, the helmet-wearing rate amongst motorcycle riders was rather high at 91% for drivers and 87% for passengers. Enforcement was also rated well at 8/10.
However, it’s mostly downhill from there.
When it comes to seat belts, only 74% of Malaysians buckle up in front and an appalling 10% buckle up behind. Enforcement was also pretty lax at a 4/10.
