Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government has agreed to introduce a compensation or indemnity mechanism for victims and families affected by road accidents involving drunk drivers, that would be introduced alongside the existing criminal penalties.
He said the proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) would ensure offenders face more than just imprisonment, fines and disqualification from driving, but are also held responsible for compensating victims or their families for the losses suffered.
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Government to require drunk drivers to compensate victims
Loke said the government is also looking at ways to strengthen measures against drunk driving, including better protection and compensation for victims and their families.
He noted that drunk driving offences currently go straight to court and are not among the offences that carry demerit points.
“However, the government believes that tackling drunk driving should go beyond punishment. The approach must also focus on prevention, enforcement, education and monitoring high-risk drivers,” he said.
According to Harian Metro, Loke said the details of the proposed compensation mechanism, including how compensation will be calculated and implemented, are still being worked out before the amendment is tabled in Parliament.
“At present, Section 44 of Act 333 covers offences involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that result in injury or death. The Act also covers offences involving alcohol levels above the prescribed limit under Section 45A, as well as provisions on breath tests and specimen collection,” he said.
Loke said the government’s approach is to ensure that action against drunk drivers does not only focus on punishing offenders, but also provides better protection and redress for victims and their families, while introducing preventive measures to reduce the risk of such incidents.
“The government is also studying ways to strengthen the demerit points system”
Loke said the government is looking to strengthen both enforcement and prevention measures against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will continue carrying out targeted operations, including on-the-spot alcohol testing during high-risk periods and at locations where such offences are more likely to occur.
“From a prevention standpoint, education and awareness efforts on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will also be strengthened. This includes reminding road users to choose safer alternatives if they are not fit to drive.
“The government is also studying ways to strengthen the demerit points system and take action against the licences of repeat offenders, in line with existing policy decisions to further strengthen measures against high-risk offences,” he said.
Loke also stressed that the government takes a serious view of offences involving drunk or drug-impaired driving that result in injury or death.
