JOHOR BARU: A total of 224 people have been arrested statewide since January this year for driving under the influence of alcohol.

       Johor Traffic chief Supt M. Kumarasan said that nine women and 215 men were arrested between January and April 23 during some 132 operations throughout the state.

       "Although amendments have been made to Section 45(A) of the Road Transport Act to increase the penalties for drunk drivers, many are still stubborn and have yet to learn from past incidents involving the lives of others.

       "This can be seen as there are still many drivers who are still drinking alcohol while driving.

       "A routine operation by the department early Saturday (April 23) saw six individuals being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol while a total of 224 people have been arrested for the offence since January this year," he said in a statement.

       He said that some 112 summonses have also been issued during the operation between midnight and 4am on Saturday (April 23).

       "We will continue to monitor the situation, especially following the transition to the endemic phase and the reopening of the border," he said.

       Since amendments to Section 45(A) came into force in October 2020, those found guilty for drunk driving could be sentenced to a maximum of two years, fined between RM10,000 and RM300,000 and revocation of their driving licence for two years or more.