KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments compelling those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs to pay compensation to victims and their heirs are expected to be tabled in Parliament early next year.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) told the Dewan Rakyat that this element will not replace existing penalties.
"It will be an additional responsibility for offenders for the consequences of their actions on victims and their families," he said during Question Time on Thursday (Oct 15).
He said the Bill was expected to be tabled in Parliament in early 2027, subject to the completion of consultations and the legislative process.
ALSO READ: Payouts, not death for DUI offences
"The Cabinet agreed in principle to the proposed amendments on July 15, allowing compensation orders to be imposed in addition to existing penalties such as imprisonment, fines and disqualification from driving," he said.
He added that his ministry is consulting relevant agencies and ministries to refine the compensation mechanism, intended to help families affected by fatal crashes, serious injuries and permanent disabilities.
He told Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) that the ministry would also seek to improve public awareness and encourage motorists to use alternatives such as e-hailing services instead of driving after consuming alcohol.
Separately, Loke said the proposed amendments would also strengthen the driver demerit points system, which he described as ineffective under the current arrangement.
"The demerit system is not implemented effectively because points are only imposed on drivers after they pay their summonses.
"We will improve the system so that drivers will be more careful and more aware of road safety,” he added.
ALSO READ: Bill tightens penalties for careless and drunk drivers
Loke said the changes were part of broader efforts to make motorists more accountable for their actions, stressing that road safety involved responsibility not only towards individuals themselves but also other road users and society.
Responding to Datuk Haji Ahmad Saad (PN-Pokok Sena), Loke said the government was also studying how compensation could be secured if convicted offenders cannot afford to pay.
Possible measures include additional penalties under existing laws and asset seizure, although the mechanism has yet to be finalised.
"The government is also open to seeking views from Islamic legal experts on the principle of diat, or compensation for death or injury, but stressed that the proposed mechanism would operate under common law and apply to everyone.
"Prevention remains crucial, with tougher penalties intended to deter motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs," he said.
