KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 15): The Transport Ministry is studying whether to seize the assets of motorists convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs if they cannot pay court-ordered compensation to road accident victims or their families.
Speaking during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the ministry was reviewing best practices as part of proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987.
Currently, offenders who cannot pay compensation may face heavier fines or imprisonment.
Loke stressed that the proposal was still under study, with no final decision made.
When tabling Budget 2027 last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Road Transport Act 1987 would be amended to require motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs to compensate their victims.
Anwar reportedly said 28 deaths involving drunk or drug-impaired drivers had been recorded up to August this year.
Loke said the proposed amendments are expected to be tabled in Parliament early next year, subject to the finalisation of policy details, legislative drafting and consultations.
The proposed compensation would be imposed in addition to existing penalties, including imprisonment and fines, rather than replacing them, he said.
Loke stressed that motorists who cause deaths through dangerous and reckless driving should not be treated as ordinary traffic offenders, but face appropriate legal action based on the circumstances of each case.
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