Loke proposes compensation for fatal crash victims’ families

 The transport minister says Road Transport Act amendments would require offenders to pay compensation in addition to jail time.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the ministry views the fatal Klang crash seriously and the government will not compromise with those who drive under the influence.

PETALING JAYA:

 The transport ministry is proposing amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (RTA) to compel offenders to pay compensation to victims’ families, following a fatal crash in Klang involving a driver allegedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Its minister, Loke Siew Fook, said the ministry viewed the incident seriously and stressed that the government will not compromise with those who drive under the influence.

“The ministry is drafting further amendments to the RTA to mandate that offenders provide compensation to victims’ families, in addition to (existing) custodial sentences,” he said in a statement.

Loke said that the recent amendment to the Act, passed in the Dewan Rakyat and enforced since October 2020, already provided stiff penalties.

He highlighted that under Section 44 of the Act, those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing death may face imprisonment for not less than 10 years and not more than 15 years, and a fine between RM50,000 and RM100,000.

For repeat offences, the punishment is heavier: imprisonment of not less than 15 years and not more than 20 years, and a fine between RM100,000 and RM150,000.

“The government is committed to continuously strengthening laws and enforcement to ensure the safety of road users is always protected,” Loke said.

He also urged the police to expedite a thorough investigation so that the case can be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for prosecution.

The statement comes after a motorcyclist was killed in Klang yesterday morning after being rammed by a car driven by a man in his 20s who was allegedly under the influence.

A dashcam video of the incident has gone viral online and the suspect has been remanded until Thursday.

Meanwhile, Tapah MP and MIC deputy president M Saravanan urged the government to act swiftly to address the rise in such cases.

“To address the rampant rise in these cases, I urge the government to immediately review and tighten existing laws,” he said in a statement.

He also called for stricter deterrent sentences, saying those who drive recklessly and cause death while intoxicated must face the heaviest possible penalties to reflect the gravity of the loss of life.

Saravanan added that enforcement measures such as high-speed cameras, frequent roadside checks and a visible police presence were essential. He said legal deterrents alone were not enough as they must be paired with effective enforcement. - FMT