Loke: Ministry plans to impose life bans against drivers in fatal accidents

Anthony Loke (third from left) speaking to reporters on Monday. -Bernamapic

PUTRAJAYA: The Road Transport Act should be amended to ensure drivers responsible for causing deaths are banned from driving for life, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister said under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act, which covers the offence of causing death by reckless driving, drivers will have their licence suspended for three years.

"It means that after the three years, these drivers are allowed to drive again.

"I feel that this is not strict enough. If you cause the death of others on the road, you should be banned from driving for life," said Loke at a press conference here on Monday (Oct 8).

Loke said the ministry is looking into amending the Act and is gathering feedback from agencies such as the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) on the matter.

"As this would involve amending the Act in Parliament, the process will take some time," said Loke.

He was commenting on the fatal accident near Menora tunnel on the North-South Expressway in Perak on Saturday (Oct 6).

A trailer driver lost control of his vehicle and collided into several vehicles including a Kia Forte, which burst into flames, killing a family of five.