Penang exco moots time limit on drinking alcohol to prevent DUI

Penang Health Exco Dr Afif Bahardin has proposed the introduction of a cutoff time for drinking alcohol in selected areas.

In a statement today, Afif said a move to disallow alcohol drinking from 9pm to 7am in selected locations could help to lower statistics on fatalities from accidents linked to driving under influence (DUI).

"The government can take an approach practised in Nelson, New Zealand, where a restriction on consumption of alcohol has been introduced from 9pm to 7am at specific locations.

"The police also provide a heavy fine for those caught drinking or found drunk in a public space during the set time.

"It is clear this policy will deter drivers who are under the influence of alcohol from being on the road," said Afif, who is Seberang Jaya assemblyperson.

He was expressing his support for Seri Delima assemblyperson Syerleena Abdul Rashid's proposal that the government should increase penalties for drunk driving.

Afif said such policy changes to ensure roads are safe from dangers of reckless drivers would require support from the federal government, state administration, and local enforcement officers.

"It is time for us, together with the state government, to stop this problem and prevent more innocent lives lost due to personal negligence," he said.

Both Afif and Syerleena's calls were made in response to the death of Mohaidin Gani Mohamad on Oct 25, allegedly caused by a drunk driver.

Mohaidin Gani, 58, was struck by a car in the dawn incident in Penang. He was a Penang Island City Council staff.

A Chinese national, 24, has been arrested over the incident and a four-day remand order was obtained.