KUALA LUMPUR – The Transport Ministry is drafting further amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 that would compel offenders to pay compensation to the families of victims of fatal accidents.
The move follows Sunday’s fatal crash along Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, which claimed the life of Amirul Hafiz Omar after he was allegedly hit by a driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
In a statement today, Transport Minister Anthony Loke extended his condolences to the victim’s family, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking and entirely unacceptable.
He said such cases not only claim innocent lives but also constitute criminal negligence that must not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The ministry, he said, is treating the case with the utmost seriousness and stressed that the government would not compromise with anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as such conduct clearly endangers other road users.
Loke noted that amendments passed by the Dewan Rakyat, which came into force in October 2020, had already introduced stiffer penalties for offenders.
Under Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987, anyone convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs causing death faces a jail term of between 10 and 15 years, along with a fine of RM50,000 to RM100,000.
Repeat offenders face heavier punishment of between 15 and 20 years’ imprisonment, in addition to fines ranging from RM100,000 to RM150,000.
"The MOT urges the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to expedite a thorough investigation into this case so that the investigation papers may be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers for prosecution. The Ministry further hopes that the courts will impose the heaviest possible sentence on the offender if found guilty," Loke said.
"At the same time, the MOT is drafting further proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 to make it mandatory for offenders to pay compensation to the families of victims, in addition to existing sentences."
He said the government remains committed to further strengthening the law and enforcement to ensure the safety of all road users.
Calls for tougher action have also come from across the political divide following the crash, which occurred at about 11.40am and involved a motorcycle and two cars.
South Klang OCPD Assistant Commissioner Lim Jit Huey said the victim, a motorcyclist in his 30s, died at the scene after being flung onto the roof of another vehicle.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said harsher penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty, should be considered, arguing that anyone who knowingly drives while intoxicated should be deemed to have intent to kill.
“This proves that the current legal approach is no longer sufficient to address the increasingly worrying issue of drunk driving,” he said in a statement today.
The call was backed by Pas Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, who said those who drink, drive and kill should face capital punishment.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh similarly called for heavier sentences, while also proposing substantial mandatory compensation for the victim’s family.
He said that if the offender is unable to pay, alternative liability mechanisms, including possible family involvement, should be explored, alongside a centralised bereavement fund made compulsory for all driving licence holders.
Meanwhile, Selangor Human Resources and Poverty Eradication Committee chairman V. Papparaidu called for the maximum prison sentence and caning, saying existing measures no longer appear sufficient as a deterrent.
“I urge firm and commensurate legal action against the perpetrator. This is no longer an isolated case, as far too many such tragedies have occurred.
“It is time for a tougher approach through stricter enforcement and heavier punishment to serve as a lesson to the public.”
Earlier today, the Klang Magistrate’s Court remanded the suspect, believed to be in his 20s, for four days until Thursday to assist investigations under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Papparaidu also extended his condolences to the victim’s family, noting that the deceased was a father of two young children. - March 30, 2026
The post Loke proposes mandatory compensation for victims’ families in fatal crash cases appeared first on Scoop.
