Accra:Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the government is developing a mechanism to seize the assets of drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs who fail to pay compensation to victims or their families in road crash incidents. Additional jail terms may also be imposed on offenders who do not fulfill compensation requirements.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these measures aim to ensure that compensation orders under the amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) provide substantial recourse for affected families, especially when offenders claim financial inability to pay. Existing laws already allow for heavier fines or additional prison sentences if compensation is unpaid.

Loke mentioned the possibility of asset seizure during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat. He was responding to a query from Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya on the protection of victims' families when offenders cannot afford compensation.

In discussing amendments to Act 333, Loke indicated that the Transport Ministry intends to introduce these changes in Parliament early next year to establish a legal framework for compensating families of victims killed by drunk drivers.

Moreover, the government plans to overhaul the current demerit points system. Loke criticized its ineffectiveness, noting that points are deducted only after traffic summonses are settled, reducing its deterrent power.