Kuala lumpur: The government has been urged to introduce a Good Samaritan Act in the upcoming Parliament sitting to provide legal protection for bystanders and first responders who voluntarily assist individuals in emergencies. Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye advocated for the legislation, highlighting the need for such laws to encourage public assistance without fear of legal repercussions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, similar laws are already in place in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Lee emphasized that the act would ensure well-intentioned individuals in Malaysia are not deterred from helping others due to concerns about potential legal liability. He stated that immediate assistance in cases such as road accidents or medical emergencies could mean the difference between life and death, and legal protection would encourage bystanders trained in basic first aid or CPR to act without hesitation.
Lee further explained that a Good Samaritan Act would help address the ‘bystander effect’, where individuals are more likely to take action when they feel safe from negative consequences. He noted that such a law would reinforce the idea that the government values and protects those who step forward to assist others. Additionally, a clear legal framework would benefit medical professionals, off-duty healthcare workers, and volunteers who provide emergency assistance outside their formal duties.
Lee also highlighted that the proposed law aligns with Malaysian societal values, promoting kindness, mutual help, and fostering a stronger sense of community responsibility. He stressed that protection should apply only to those acting in good faith and not extend to individuals who act with gross negligence or intent to harm. The law should cover a wide range of emergencies, including medical distress, accidents, and natural disasters, and should be accompanied by public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities under the law.
Finally, Lee called for a consultative approach involving stakeholders such as the Health Ministry, Attorney General’s Chambers, medical and first aid organizations, emergency responders, human rights and legal experts, and community groups to ensure a comprehensive and balanced law. He concluded by emphasizing that the introduction of a Good Samaritan Act is not just about legal protection but also about cultivating a culture of care, responsibility, and civic duty, urging prompt action to prevent hesitation and fear from costing lives.