The Transport Ministry is drafting amendments to make DUI offenders pay compensation to victims’ families, alongside existing jail terms and fines.

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Transport is drafting amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 to require convicted drunk or drug-impaired drivers to pay compensation to victims’ families.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that this compensation would be in addition to the prison sentences already stipulated under the Act, reinforcing the ministry’s uncompromising stance against driving under the influence.

He explained that amendments passed in 2020 already provide for heavier penalties, with Section 44 mandating imprisonment of 10 to 15 years and a fine of RM50,000 to RM100,000 for DUI causing death.

Repeat offenders face an even harsher penalty of 15 to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine ranging from RM100,000 to RM150,000.

Loke urged the police to expedite a thorough investigation into a fatal accident in Klang on Sunday so the case can be referred for prosecution.

He expressed hope that the court would impose the heaviest possible sentence if the offender in that case is found guilty.

The ministry extended its condolences to the family of motorcyclist Amirul Hafiz Omar, who was killed in the Klang incident.

Klang Selatan district police chief ACP Lim Jit Huey said the victim was hit by a car driven by an individual under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The incident occurred at about 11.40 am on Jalan Raya Barat, resulting in the victim being flung onto the roof of another car and pronounced dead at the scene.

 The Sun Malaysia