Drunk drivers may be required to compensate victims under proposed law changes
PETALING JAYA: Drunk drivers who cause serious injuries or deaths may be required to compensate victims or their families under proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987, the Transport Ministry said.
The ministry said the Cabinet had agreed in principle to introduce a compensation or restitution mechanism as an additional punishment alongside existing prison terms, fines and driving disqualifications.
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In a written parliamentary reply to Haji Manndzri Haji Nasib (BN-Tenggara), the ministry said the proposal was aimed at ensuring offenders also bear responsibility for losses suffered by victims and their families.
“The detailed mechanism, including the form of compensation, assessment method and implementation, is being refined before the proposed amendments are tabled in Parliament,” it said.
Currently, Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987 provides for offences involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that result in injury or death.
The Act also regulates offences involving alcohol levels exceeding permitted limits under Section 45A, as well as provisions relating to breath tests and the taking of specimens.
The ministry said the government recognised that punitive measures alone were insufficient to address drunk driving and was pursuing a broader strategy involving prevention, enforcement, education and controls targeting high-risk drivers.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) and police continue to conduct targeted operations, including alcohol checks at locations and during periods considered to carry a higher risk, it said.
“Prevention and advocacy efforts would also be strengthened to educate the public on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including encouraging motorists to use safe alternative modes of transport when they are not fit to drive,” it said.
The government is also examining ways to strengthen the demerit points system and take action against the driving licences of repeat offenders, in line with policy decisions aimed at strengthening the overall framework for high-risk traffic offences.
Currently, driving under the influence of alcohol is brought directly before the courts and is not among the offences subject to the demerit points system.
The ministry said the government’s approach was intended to ensure action against drunk drivers extended beyond punishing offenders to providing better protection and redress for victims and their families, while strengthening preventive measures to reduce the risk of such incidents.
