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Motorists who cause accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could be compelled to compensate their victims under proposed amendments to Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the government’s decision to amend the law while presenting Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday, signaling tougher action against impaired driving and its devastating consequences. The proposed changes aim to ensure that drivers responsible for accidents while intoxicated are held financially accountable for the harm they cause.
Anwar revealed that 28 fatal cases involving drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs had been recorded as of August this year, highlighting the continuing threat posed by impaired motorists on Malaysian roads. He also recalled a heartbreaking accident on the eve of the previous National Day along the East Coast Expressway 1 in Temerloh, which claimed four lives, including a husband, wife and their young child. The tragedy underscored the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents and protect innocent road users.
Commercial Vehicles to Face Stricter Monitoring
Beyond the proposed legal amendments, the government will introduce mandatory telematics systems for commercial vehicles to improve road safety and identify dangerous driving behaviour. The systems will monitor vehicle speed, location and risky driving patterns. They will also be integrated with alcohol detection devices to help ensure drivers are not under the influence before beginning their journeys. According to Anwar, voluntary implementation will continue until 2027 while the government develops a driver database to support enforcement efforts. The initiative is expected to strengthen monitoring of commercial vehicles and provide authorities with better tools to address unsafe driving practices.
Health Screenings for Commercial Drivers
The government is also taking steps to identify health conditions that could affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Anwar said the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) would provide health screening vouchers for commercial vehicle drivers, allowing potential health risks that could impair driving performance to be detected earlier. The measure forms part of broader efforts to reduce road accidents by addressing both driver behaviour and medical conditions that may compromise road safety.
RM2.5 Billion to Maintain Federal Roads
Budget 2027 will also channel substantial funding towards road maintenance and infrastructure improvements nationwide. A total of RM2.5 billion has been allocated to maintain Federal Roads, including nearly RM800 million earmarked specifically for G1 to G4 contractors.
The allocation for small-scale repair projects, including pothole repairs, has been increased to RM40 million to speed up maintenance work. Meanwhile, RM5.7 billion from the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS) funds will be used to repair state roads. The additional funding is intended to improve road conditions, address maintenance issues and make journeys safer for motorists.
New Motorcycle Shelters, CCTV Cameras and EV Chargers
Several highway safety and infrastructure upgrades are also planned. The Malaysian Highway Authority will construct 15 motorcycle shelters, install 70 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras along the PLUS Expressway and provide 50 electric vehicle charging facilities at strategic locations. These measures are expected to improve facilities for motorcyclists, strengthen highway monitoring and support the growing use of electric vehicles.
With proposed compensation requirements for impaired drivers, enhanced monitoring of commercial vehicles and increased road maintenance funding, Budget 2027 places renewed emphasis on accountability and safer journeys for Malaysians. The effectiveness of the measures will depend on their implementation, enforcement and ability to prevent avoidable road tragedies.
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