Move to speed up case handling as tougher DUI laws reviewed
PUTRAJAYA: The Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) is backing a special court for serious road accidents, saying it could speed up case handling.
Its director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said JPJ would welcome the establishment of a special court to handle serious road crash cases involving fatalities or severe injuries if the government decides to introduce one.
“We understand it would also involve considerations such as manpower and financial resources, but we welcome it... as such a move could improve the handling of cases,” he said during the department’s monthly gathering yesterday.
He added that JPJ was also reviewing laws on drink and drug-impaired driving to tighten penalties, including possible compensation for victims’ families, following a spate of fatal crashes.
He said the review of Sections 44 and 45 under the Road Transport Act 1987 was being carried out together with the Transport Ministry following instructions from Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
“The move aims to ensure tougher action can be taken against drivers who cause accidents while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including the possibility of requiring offenders to pay compensation to victims’ families,” he added.
Aedy Fadly said the issue was brought up during Loke’s recent visit to the home of Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33, who was fatally struck by a car driven by an intoxicated driver along Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, on Sunday.
He added that the ministry and JPJ’s legal team would study the provisions before submitting recommendations to the minister and Cabinet.
Meanwhile, on an unrelated issue, he said JPJ is encouraging motorists to carry out eligible transactions online through the MyJPJ app and its portal as part of broader energy-saving and efficiency measures.
“Many services are already available for digital completion, but the public remains unaware and continues to visit JPJ counters.
“JPJ will release a list of transactions that can be carried out online so motorists can avoid making trips to JPJ offices unless their presence is required,” he said.
These measures form part of JPJ’s nationwide energy-saving initiatives, which include raising air-conditioning temperatures at offices, reducing lighting in non-public areas, and allowing staff to wear corporate attire, or batik, to improve comfort.
Aedy Fadly also urged people to join its three-day Karnival Mega JPJ Madani 2026 and Jom Heboh event in collaboration with Media Prima from April 24 to 26 at Stadium Batu Kawan in Penang to mark its 80th anniversary.
