A PAS Member of Parliament has expressed concern over what he described as the unruly behaviour of young Malaysians during the recent New Year’s Eve celebrations, linking it to “imported” festivals such as Halloween.
Fawwaz Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) said he was saddened after seeing viral videos showing youths welcoming 2026 by frequenting nightclubs and consuming alcohol.
“Do agencies like the police, local councils, the Home Ministry, and the Health Ministry conduct monitoring and enforcement operations during festive seasons, or for ‘imported’ celebrations like Halloween, to curb immoral activities?
“Is the government serious about addressing this issue and strengthening the identity and character of our youths?” he asked while debating the king’s speech in the Dewan Rakyat.
Fawwaz, who is also the Penang PAS information chief, further questioned whether the government plans to impose stricter laws to discourage drink-driving, citing the high number of fatalities caused by drunk drivers.
He proposed that drivers who cause the death of others while under the influence should be required to immediately provide financial compensation to the victims’ next of kin.
“If this measure is not implemented, it would be a great injustice to the victims and their families,” he added.
Amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987, which came into effect in October 2020, introduced heavier penalties for traffic offenders, including reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Currently, those convicted of causing death while driving under the influence face 10 to 15 years in prison and fines ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000.
Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook said on Oct 30 that fatal accidents caused by road users under the influence accounted for less than 0.5% of all road fatalities nationwide between 2022 and June last year.
