SEIZURE of assets is among the measures being considered to ensure that drink-driving offenders compensate victims and their families.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government was studying ways to enforce compensation orders against convicted offenders, with the mechanism yet to be finalised.
He said amendments to the law to compel these offenders to compensate victims or their heirs were expected to be tabled in Parliament early next year, subject to the completion of consultations and the legislative process.
“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 driving disqualification,” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Loke stressed that compensation would not replace existing penalties but would impose an additional responsibility on offenders for the consequences of their actions on victims and their families.
The ministry is consulting relevant agencies and other ministries to refine the compensation mechanism, which is intended to help families affected by fatal crashes, serious injuries and permanent disabilities, he added.
Responding to Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi), Loke said the ministry would also step up public awareness efforts and encourage motorists to use alternatives, such as e-hailing services, rather than drive after consuming alcohol.
Separately, he said the proposed amendments would strengthen the driver demerit points system, which he described as ineffective under the current arrangement.
“At present, demerit points are imposed only after motorists pay their traffic summonses,” he said.
“We will improve the system to ensure that demerit points are imposed on drivers, so they will be more careful and more aware of road safety.”
Loke said the proposed changes formed part of broader efforts to make motorists more accountable for their actions.
He said prevention remained crucial, with tougher penalties intended to deter motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
On the Sept 8 fatal air crash in Long Lellang, Sarawak, Loke said the helicopter involved was certified airworthy before departure.
Its pilot held a valid flying licence and was qualified to operate the flight, he added.
Citing preliminary findings, he said the pilot also held a valid medical certificate, while the helicopter had valid Certificates of Registration and Airworthiness.
The crash claimed the lives of the pilot and four Health Ministry personnel who were on duty under the Flying Doctor Service.
Loke said the Air Accident Investigation Bureau’s preliminary findings would be presented to the Cabinet today.
“Investigations are still ongoing, and a final report on the accident must be prepared within one year from the date of the crash,” he said during Ministers’ Question Time yesterday.
Loke said the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) had conducted a surveillance audit of Layang Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd, the owner of the Bolkow BO-105 helicopter (9M-LLF), from Sept 1 to 4.
Follow-up activities and the audit closure were completed on Sept 6, adding that the annual audit was conducted as part of the process to consider the company’s application to renew its Approved Maintenance Organisation approval, he said in response to a question from Datuk Dr Richard Rapu (GPS-Betong).
