Kuala Lumpur:The proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) are set to be tabled at the first parliamentary sitting next year. These amendments will require drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs to compensate road accident victims, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Cabinet approved the policy in principle several months ago. The Transport Ministry (MOT) is currently working with the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) to prepare the policy paper and draft Bill. The Land Transport Division is tasked with preparing these documents, although Loke noted that the process involves various technical considerations and will take some time before being presented to Parliament.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his Budget 2027 presentation, emphasized that the Road Transport Act would be amended to mandate compensation from intoxicated drivers to their victims. He highlighted that 28 deaths involving drunk or drug-impaired drivers had been recorded up to August this year.

Loke explained that the proposed amendments aim to streamline the criminal and civil processes, enabling courts to award compensation as part of proceedings against offenders. Presently, victims must file separate civil suits, which can be both lengthy and costly, to seek compensation after criminal charges are filed against the drivers.

The new mechanism would allow judges to award compensation directly without requiring separate civil proceedings. Loke emphasized that this approach aligns with universal principles of justice as well as Islamic principles, particularly the concept of 'diyah', which involves compensation for victims or their families.