Minister Loke Siew Fook said this followed a five-day integrated operation which revealed troubling levels of drug use among drivers, with one in every 13 drivers testing positive for drugs.

“The existing laws are not stringent enough for drivers who take drugs,” he told a press conference after a special joint operation on tour buses and public transportation at the road transport department enforcement station here today.

“Under Section 36, we can only prosecute if they cause an accident. If there are signs of drug use but no accident has occurred, they cannot be prosecuted. Only their licence can be suspended.”

Loke said this would involve amending Section 45A of the Road Transport Act, and that he would discuss the best way forward with ministry officials.

He expressed hope that the amendments would be tabled alongside others during the third parliamentary session at the end of this year.

“This is something I feel we need to review. We cannot wait until an accident happens and only then take action against the driver,” he said, adding that drivers who use drugs pose the same danger as drunk drivers.

Loke also advised bus operating companies to regularly screen their drivers to prevent drug use.

“Companies have a responsibility to screen their drivers every now and then to stop these kinds of drivers,” he said.