PETALING JAYA, Aug 17 — Motorists are in favour of reintroducing Kejara and for it to be applied to all licence types.
The demerit points system was discontinued about five years ago.
Malay Mail interviewed some motorists and most lamented the lack of enforcement.
Sales officer Anitha Abdullah, 33, said the lack of information about Kejara indicated it was not seriously enforced.
“There have been no statistics on how it helped reduce accidents, not even how many licences were suspended or revoked. Is it even still running?” she asked.
She said repeat offenders should be jailed to drive home the severity of breaking road safety laws.
Web designer G. Yeovendran, 23, said an important deterrent was lost when the system was discontinued.
“It’s scary on roads these days. Some drivers are so wild. If the system is brought back, hopefully people will drive carefully for fear of having their licences revoked,” said Yeovendran.
Public relations officer Siti Jamila Daud, 24, was aware of the demerit system but was unable to name it.
“They should bring it back and do more to publicise it. It must include all licence types. Only then would people take heed,” she said.
Siti Jamila said irresponsible users would just pay for damages in an accident without learning a lesson. She suggested a light jail sentence as a deterrent.
Security guard Mohamad Faizal, 24, said the system should be revived but the attitude of drivers needed to change as well.
“They used to have a points system but there isn’t any news on it now. People were more careful then.
“It’s not a new issue, there has been talk about fixing it for years. If they are lax on enforcement, it is not going to stop people from breaking the law,” he said.
Faizal was not surprised road accidents went up during Hari Raya, saying people were in a rush to get to their hometowns.
Optometrist Hii Wen Liang, 29, was unaware of Kejara but said there was little awareness into the role eyesight plays in road accidents.
“There should be stricter regulations and screening to ensure those getting licences have good vision. That’s what they do in the UK.
“This is especially important for truck and lorry drivers. I believe there is little if any regulation on this,” he said.
Sales executive Ramli Che Wil, 56, said drivers openly flouted the speed limit, especially during festive seasons, and only harsh measures would make them obey the law.
“On my way back to Kelantan during Hari Raya, many were speeding.
“Unless drastic action is taken, people will continue to die in accidents,” he said.
Ramli was against jailing repeat offenders, saying they should be made to do community service instead.
