In the wake of a recent case involving a fatal road incident, criminologist Datuk P. Sundramoorthy of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research has called for more stringent penalties for road bullies to act as a deterrent and safeguard the well-being of motorists.
As reported by The Star, Sundramoorthy emphasised that imposing severe punishments would send a clear message to potential offenders that violence on the roads would not be tolerated. He referenced the case of IT employee Yew Wei Liang, 45, who received a 16-year prison sentence for causing the death of Syed Muhammad Danial Syed Shakir. While acknowledging the court’s decision, Sundramoorthy expressed the belief that a more robust sentence would be appropriate, given the loss of a human life over a seemingly simple road mishap.
“Road rage cases are becoming rampant,” Sundramoorthy stated. “Although not many result in death, we should not take them lightly. Motorists deserve peace of mind, knowing they can drive safely without fearing road bullies.”
In addition to advocating harsher penalties, Sundramoorthy proposed a multi-dimensional approach to address the issue, including stricter road traffic regulations, enhanced enforcement, and awareness campaigns.
Psychologist and counsellor Assoc Prof Dr. Fauziah Mohd Saad of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris underscored the potential tragic consequences of road rage and urged individuals to prioritize safety and avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers. She advised motorists to seek help by contacting the police or driving to the nearest police station when faced with road bullying situations.
Dr. Fauziah further recommended that individuals struggling with anger issues and road rage tendencies seek professional counseling to manage their condition, preventing harm to both themselves and others. For those spending long hours in traffic, she suggested finding ways to stay calm and relieve stress, such as listening to soothing music in their vehicles.
As road safety concerns escalate, these experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive strategy to curb road rage incidents and ensure the safety of all motorists on the streets.
