How will drink-driving compensation scheme prevent double payment, asks MP

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh inquired about preventing victims of drink-driving incidents from receiving double compensation under the proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987. The MP questioned how the government would ensure victims do not receive double payment, while still maintaining their right to claim fair damages.

As the debate over the 2027 budget unfolded in the Dewan Rakyat, Ramkarpal welcomed the plans to amend the law, making offenders responsible for compensating victims or their families for serious traffic offenses. However, he sought clarification on how compensation amounts would be determined, whether medical bills, lost income, permanent injuries, and long-term care needs would be considered, and if a standard formula would be applied or if each case would be assessed individually.

Ramkarpal's inquiry aimed to understand the workings of the proposed system, not to voice any opinion on it. Currently, victims can seek compensation through insurance claims or by suing the responsible party, with courts deciding the sum payable if no agreement is reached. The existing law also permits courts to order convicted offenders to compensate victims if requested by prosecutors.

The proposed changes aim to integrate compensation into the criminal case against the driver, allowing victims to seek payment without filing a separate civil suit. Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook clarified that the proposed scheme would not affect victims' rights to make insurance claims or sue for damages. Judges would determine compensation based on victims' injuries and losses, as well as the offender's ability to pay.

The government is also exploring seizing the assets of offenders who fail to compensate accident victims and considering heavier fines or jail terms for those who refuse to pay.