Govt considers seizing assets of motorists to compensate crash victims

The Malaysian government is contemplating seizing the assets of motorists convicted of severe traffic violations in order to compensate crash victims and their families, said transport minister Loke Siew Fook. This proposal is among several measures being explored to ensure that families receive compensation, especially when offenders are unable to pay.

The government is also considering enhancing penalties for offenders who fail to pay compensation, including heavier fines or longer jail terms, as allowed under other laws. However, no final decision has been made regarding the specifics of the proposed compensation system. Cabinet officials agreed in principle on July 15 to amend the Road Transport Act 1987, allowing courts to order convicted motorists to compensate victims or their families.

These additional reparations would supplement existing punishments, such as imprisonment, fines, and driving bans, and would apply to offenses resulting in death, serious injuries, or permanent disabilities. The Transport Ministry is collaborating with other government agencies to finalize the details, with the intention of presenting the amendments to Parliament early in 2027.

Ahmad Saad, a member of the opposition, inquired whether the government would consider the Islamic principle of diyat, or financial compensation to victims or their families. Loke stated that the ministry was open to input from Islamic legal experts but emphasized that the proposed law would apply to all individuals, regardless of religious beliefs.

In response to Syahredzan Johan, Loke also mentioned that the amendments would improve the existing traffic demerit points system, which has been ineffective because points are only recorded after motorists pay their summonses, thereby weakening its deterrent effect on reckless driving.