The Malaysian government is facing renewed pressure to impose significantly harsher penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, for fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers. UMNO Youth Chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, asserted that to facilitate such severe sentencing, individuals responsible for these fatalities should be prosecuted under the Penal Code. This call for legislative reform follows a recent tragic accident in Klang that claimed the life of a motorcyclist, Allahyarham Amirul Hafiz Omar.
Dr Akmal highlighted that the current legal framework under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (2020 Amendment)—which carries a jail term of 10 to 15 years and fines up to RM100,000—is no longer a mechanical necessity for deterrence. He argued in a Facebook statement on Monday that these existing laws have failed to curb the rising trend of drink-driving fatalities. According to him, the frequency of innocent lives being lost to the negligence of intoxicated individuals suggests that current punishments do not carry enough weight to impact the behaviour of offenders.
The recent incident in Klang involved a driver allegedly under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, who was reportedly speeding and overtaking vehicles before crashing into the victim’s motorcycle on the opposite lane. South Klang District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Lim Jit Huey, confirmed that the driver has been remanded for four days after testing positive for prohibited substances. The victim was tragically thrown onto another vehicle and died at the scene, sparking national outrage over the persistent threat posed by “high” and intoxicated motorists.
In addition to capital punishment, Dr Akmal proposed the implementation of a mandatory compensation scheme to be paid by the offender to the victim’s family. He suggested that if an offender lacks the financial means, alternative liability mechanisms involving the offender’s family should be legally considered. Furthermore, he recommended a centralised funeral taskin (khairat kematian) scheme for all driving licence holders to ensure that families of victims receive immediate financial assistance without being hampered by slow-moving bureaucracy.
Closing his statement, the UMNO Youth leader urged the Transport Minister and all Members of Parliament to set aside political differences and expedite legislative action. He drew a parallel between drug trafficking—which carries heavy penalties due to its societal harm—and fatal drunk driving, arguing both should be treated with equal gravity. “How many more innocent lives must be sacrificed before we truly act?” he questioned, reminding leaders that the value of a human life is immeasurable and action must be taken before more families are devastated.
