KUALA LUMPUR: The government will review whether penalties for hit-and-run offences need to be strengthened, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
"These cases are an issue that requires attention. We are encouraging the installation of dashboard cameras, as they can provide valuable evidence in accident cases and assist police investigations," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 21).
"Although we have not made dashcams compulsory, more people are installing them, and the footage can help establish what happened in an accident, including a hit-and-run, thereby assisting the police.
"As for tightening the law, we will take a look at the policy to determine whether penalties for hit-and-run offences need to be strengthened."
In a supplementary question, Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) urged the government to step up enforcement against drink-driving, particularly through breathalyser tests during high-risk periods such as nights and weekends.
Loke said enforcement against motorists under the influence of alcohol and drugs remained one of the government’s priorities.
He said this included proposed amendments to impose heavier penalties on offenders and measures to ensure that drivers found responsible for accidents paid compensation to victims, as announced during the tabling of Budget 2027.
Loke said enforcement by the police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would be more targeted, particularly during weekends, and called for greater coordination between the agencies.
He also said enforcement against illegal street racing would be stepped up, adding that amendments which took effect on Oct 15 allowed those involved in such activities to be brought to court even before an accident occurred.
