KOTA TINGGI — New legislation such as the Corporate Manslaughter Act, currently in force in the United Kingdom and proposed for introduction in Malaysia, would establish broader and proportionate liability on companies—not just individuals—in cases of accidents or managerial negligence.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said explained that under the Act, an entire organisation—including managers, engineers, and board members—could be prosecuted if found to have failed in upholding proper safety and operational standards.
“This is how it works—if a bridge collapses or a bus accident occurs, it won’t be just the engineer or driver who is punished.
“If the penalty is hanging, then the chief executive officer must also hang. That is what corporate manslaughter means.
“Board members must also be held responsible,” she told Bernama today.
Azalina, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pengerang, said this while inspecting the repair progress of the Felda Air Tawar 1 Bridge here. The repair work is expected to be completed by September.
Yesterday, the driver of the bus involved in the June 9 crash on the Gerik–Jeli East–West Highway (JRTB)—which claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students—was charged in court with dangerous driving.
Azalina stressed that such laws are essential, as companies often place the blame solely on the driver, even when the vehicle and its operations fall entirely under the company’s responsibility.
“Sometimes, when an accident occurs, companies refuse to acknowledge their fault. They point fingers at the driver. But who does the driver work for? Under whose instructions? The company must be held accountable and cannot simply wash its hands of responsibility,” she said.
She added that if the government is truly committed to strengthening accountability and corporate governance, Malaysia must consider such a law to prevent future tragedies and ensure justice for victims.
Earlier today, Azalina also received her letter of appointment as Honorary Commissioner of the Civil Defence Force (APM) from APM Chief Commissioner Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed.
Appointment letters were also presented to State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin and Penawar assemblywoman Fauziah Misri, naming them Honorary Deputy Commissioner and Honorary Colonel, respectively. — June 14, 2025
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