Hanoi:First paragraph of the news story. The proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) will require drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs to compensate road accident victims and are expected to be tabled at the first parliamentary sitting next year, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Cabinet approved the policy in principle several months ago. The Transport Ministry, along with the Attorney-General's Chambers, is currently working on preparing the policy paper and draft Bill. Loke mentioned that the Land Transport Division is handling the drafting, but technical considerations mean it will take some time before it can be presented in Parliament.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his Budget 2027 presentation, stated that the amendments would make it mandatory for impaired drivers to pay compensation. Anwar highlighted that 28 deaths related to impaired driving had been recorded up to August this year.

Loke explained that the intended amendments aim to merge the criminal and civil processes, allowing courts to award compensation during proceedings against offenders. Currently, victims must file separate civil cases to seek compensation, which can be both lengthy and costly.

He pointed out the challenges victims face, as some do not have the resources to initiate civil proceedings. The new mechanism would enable judges to grant compensation without requiring separate legal actions.

Loke emphasized that the proposed changes align with universal justice principles and Islamic principles, such as 'diyah', which supports compensating victims for their suffering.