M'sia implementing laws to make drink-driving offenders pay victims' families

Malaysia is looking to implement laws to require drink-driving offenders to pay the families of their victims, in addition to serving jail terms.

The move comes in the wake of a drink-driving accident in South Klang, wherein a motorcyclist in his 30s was hit and killed by a driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

According to the New Straits Times, proposals are currently being drafted by the Malaysian Transport Ministry to amend the Road Transport Act.

"The government is committed to continuing to strengthen laws and enforcement to ensure the safety of road users is always protected," said Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who vowed that the government will show no mercy to drivers driving under the influence of alcohol of drugs.

He said the Klang accident was not merely a tragedy, but an act of criminal negligence that the government found "absolutely unacceptable".

Loke also urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation on the accident, and expressed his hope that the court would impose the maximum sentence on the driver, who is reportedly in his 20s.

Under current Malaysian laws, any driver who causes death while under the influence of alcohol or drugs faces a jail term of between 10 and 15 years, and a fine of between RM50,000 (S$16,044) and RM100,000 (S$32,089) upon conviction.

The penalty is higher for repeat offenders.

Top images via scrutauto/TikTok & Canva