SHAH ALAM, Oct 9 — The government will amend the Road Transport Act 1987 to compel drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs who caused accidents to compensate victims, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The move is part of stricter measures to address fatal road accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, despite tighter enforcement.
“On Merdeka evening, four people including a husband and wife and their young child, died in an accident on the East Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1) in Temerloh.
“As of August this year, there have been 28 fatal cases involving drivers who were drunk or under the influence of drugs.
“Tragedies like these deeply affect us. Although enforcement has been tightened, violations remain a cause for concern,” he said when tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Anwar added that the government will make it mandatory for commercial vehicles to install telematics systems to monitor speed, location, and risky driving behaviour.
The systems will also be linked to alcohol detection devices to check drivers before they begin their journeys.
“Voluntary implementation will continue until next year, while the government develops a driver database to support enforcement,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) will provide health screening vouchers for commercial vehicle drivers to detect health risks that could affect their ability to drive safely.
The government will strengthen the role of district engineers to speed up minor repair projects, including fixing potholes, with the allocation increased to RM40 million.
“District engineers will continue to be empowered to expedite the implementation of small-scale projects, such as repairing potholes,” Anwar said.
RM2.5 billion will be allocated to maintain federal roads, including nearly RM800 million specifically for G1 to G4 contractors.
“The state roads will also receive repairs through the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS), supported by an allocation of RM5.7 billion,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that the Malaysian Highway Authority will build 15 motorcycle shelters and install 70 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras along the North-South Expressway operated by PLUS Malaysia Berhad, and provide 50 electric vehicle charging facilities at strategic locations.
