The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is currently drafting further amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987, which would mandate that drivers under the influence of alcohol pay direct damages to the families of their victims. Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that these proposed changes aim to provide a mechanical necessity for financial restitution in addition to existing custodial sentences. This move follows previous legal revisions enacted in October 2020, which significantly increased the penalties for those found guilty of causing death through impaired driving.
Under the current Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987, any individual convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs resulting in a fatality faces a prison sentence of between 10 and 15 years. Furthermore, offenders are subject to heavy fines ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000. Loke noted in a statement released on Monday, 30 March 2026, that repeat offenders face even harsher consequences, including a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, alongside fines that can reach as high as RM150,000.
The Minister also took the opportunity to extend his deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Amirul Hafiz Omar, who was recently killed in a tragic accident on Jalan Raya Barat, Klang. The fatal crash was reportedly caused by a driver operating a vehicle while under the influence of both alcohol and narcotics. Loke described the loss of life as heart-wrenching and categorised such incidents as a form of criminal negligence that the Malaysian government deems entirely unacceptable.
Stressing the government’s zero-tolerance policy, the MOT head reaffirmed that no compromise would be made regarding individuals who choose to drive while impaired. He urged the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to expedite a comprehensive investigation into the Klang tragedy so that the case files can be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for immediate prosecution. The Ministry is hopeful that the judiciary will impose the maximum possible penalties on the perpetrator if they are found guilty of the charges.
While the 2020 amendments focused heavily on punitive measures such as longer jail terms and higher fines, these new proposed changes represent a shift toward victim-centric justice. By requiring offenders to pay compensation directly to grieving families, the government hopes to create a stronger deterrent against reckless behaviour on the road. The Ministry expects to present the details of these new legislative amendments to the Dewan Rakyat once the drafting process is finalised.
