Malaysia Considers Compensation for Drunk Driving Victims

Malaysia's Ministry of Transport is exploring new measures for drunk drivers, proposing that offenders be required to pay compensation and damages to victims and their families. This potential addition to the Road Transport Act 1987 aims to move beyond the current system of jail sentences and fines.

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We are indeed considering a new method, which not only imposes prison sentences and fines on drivers who are guilty or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that this proposal is among the amendments being considered for the act. He explained that while the recently passed Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026, approved by the Dewan Rakyat, focuses on other aspects, the government is committed to introducing further amendments later this year. The process for incorporating such significant changes requires policy approval from the Cabinet and drafting by the Attorney General's Chambers.

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But we are also including an element so that they have to pay compensation to the victims or compensation to the victims' families.

Loke addressed concerns raised by some Members of Parliament during the bill's debate, who questioned the absence of provisions for drunk driving victims in the current amendment. He clarified that the amendment passed was based on proposals approved two years prior and took considerable time to draft. The ministry intends to re-engage the Cabinet and Attorney General's Chambers for the new proposals.

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However, there is a process when we want to draft these amendments. Why is it not in this amendment? Because the amendment we brought today was fundamentally approved two years ago and it took us one to two years to draft this amendment.

Additionally, the approved Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 introduces an increase in compound rates for certain traffic offenses, raising the maximum from RM300 to RM500, effective January 1, 2029. This increase is intended to improve compliance, not boost government revenue. The bill also criminalizes street racing and speed testing as specific offenses under Act 333, allowing enforcement actions even before an accident occurs.

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This increase is not intended to increase government revenue, but rather to increase compliance.