#Belanjawan 2027: Government To Mandate Compensation For Victims Of Drunk Driving

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The Malaysian government is set to introduce amendments to the Road Transport Act, legally requiring individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to pay direct financial compensation to their victims

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, announced that the proposed amendment aims to hold reckless road users directly accountable for medical costs, vehicle damages, and personal injuries resulting from preventable traffic collisions.

Alongside legislative changes, authorities are stepping up technical oversight across the commercial logistics sector, such as vans, trucks, and lorries

Telematics systems will soon become mandatory for commercial vehicles across the nation, allowing regulators to monitor vehicle speeds, precise locations, and high-risk driving patterns in real time.

These digital tracking setups will also be integrated with ignition interlock devices, requiring drivers to clear an automated breath-alcohol test before starting their engines.

To give logistics operators time to adjust, telematics systems will remain voluntary until 2027 while the government constructs a comprehensive driver database to streamline enforcement.

In a parallel initiative aimed at improving commercial fleet safety, the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) will issue health screening vouchers to commercial drivers

The preventative health programme aims to detect underlying medical conditions, such as sudden cardiovascular issues, severe sleep apnea, or unmanaged hypertension, that could compromise a driver's physical ability behind the wheel.

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