A recent incident in Penang has ignited a debate on the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. Candi Wan, a beautician from Ipoh, learned a costly lesson when her sister was fined for briefly holding the phone on her lap while using a navigation app. The incident has brought attention to the strict regulations surrounding phone use while driving, with authorities emphasizing the importance of safety on the road. 

The Incident:

During a family holiday on the island, Wan's sister was navigating the streets using a mobile phone app placed on her lap. While checking the directions for a brief moment at a roundabout, they were stopped by a policeman. Despite their explanation that the phone was held only momentarily and was on the sister's lap, the officer issued a summons for her to appear before a magistrate in August.

Debate on Social Media:

Wan's photograph of the summons has sparked a lively debate on social media, with hundreds of comments pouring in. People have shared varying opinions on the incident, questioning the severity of the penalty and discussing alternative solutions to ensure road safety.

Official Response:

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Soffian Santong addressed the issue, advising drivers to use a phone holder to position the device for navigation. He stressed the importance of keeping the phone within the driver's line of sight and not placing it on their lap, as it can distract them from the road and potentially cause accidents. While a properly positioned phone on a holder is allowed for navigation, ACP Soffian cautioned against unnecessary screen interaction while driving, urging drivers to stop and fix any issues with the navigation system.

Enforcement and Penalties:

Using a mobile phone while driving is considered a serious offense and cannot be compounded, requiring drivers to appear before a magistrate. Violators can face fines ranging from RM300 to RM1,000 for first-time offenders, along with potential jail terms of up to three months. Repeat offenders can be fined up to RM2,000, face a maximum jail term of six months, or both.

Promoting Road Safety:

ACP Soffian emphasized that the focus should be on ensuring the safety of drivers and others on the road, rather than merely issuing summonses. The intention behind these strict regulations is to minimize distractions and prevent accidents. Drivers are urged to use phone holders and refrain from using their phones unnecessarily while driving, even when waiting at red lights.

Conclusion:

The incident involving Candi Wan's sister has brought the issue of phone use while driving into the spotlight, generating discussions on social media about the fines and regulations surrounding this practice. As authorities prioritize road safety, it is essential for drivers to be aware of the potential risks and comply with the law. By using phone holders and refraining from unnecessary phone interaction, individuals can help create a safer driving environment for themselves and others on the road.

What do you think of this regulation? Share your thoughts below.