Enough Laws On Accidents, No Need For ‘Diat System - Loke

According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the government has no plans to use the "diat" system or "blood money" in cases involving fatal accidents.

In response to a query from Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat), Loke stated in writing that the ministry thinks Malaysia's current laws are sufficient to handle such cases, both as a deterrent and to serve justice.

Diat refers to the property that the criminal must give to the victim's guardian or heir as restitution for the crime they committed against them. In this case, the person who causes the fatal accident is required to compensate the victim's family.
The minister also added that the transport ministry will regularly review the pertinent laws under the Road Transport Act 1987, the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987, and the Land Public Transport Act 2010 to make sure they remain relevant generally and provide safety for all road users.

“The legal action applicable against individuals who drive recklessly or dangerously, resulting in death, are outlined in Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987, which was amended in 2020. This section prescribes imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, and a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM50,000, upon conviction,” Loke wrote.

“For the second or subsequent conviction, the penalty is imprisonment for a term of not less than 10 years and not more than 15 years, and a fine of not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM100,000,” he continued.