Seri Delima lawmaker Syerleena Abdul Rashid has urged the government to increase the penalties for drunk driving.

In a statement today, Syerleena said the current law prescribed a minimum jail sentence of 3 years and a fine of RM8,000, which she argued was not deterrent enough.

Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987 prescribed a minimum 3-year jail term and a maximum 10-year jail term for causing death or injury as a result of driving while intoxicated. The law also prescribed a fine of between RM8,000 to RM20,000.

Syerleena said this in response to the death of Mohaidin Gani Mohamad on Oct 25, allegedly caused by a drunk driver.

"A cohesive effort is needed where everyone– government, enforcement authorities, business premises and the public, play important roles to send out the message that drunk driving is not to be tolerated at any cost," said the DAP politician.

Business owners, said Syerleena, must also play a role by informing patrons of the consequences of driving under influence.

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

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