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Loke: No need for 'blood money' system to replace fatal accident penalties

KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to introduce the "blood money" or "diat" system as an alternative solution to fatal accident penalties, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

In a written Parliamentary reply, Loke said this was because current laws were adequate to provide justice, prevent crime, and offer rehabilitation opportunities for offenders while respecting human rights.

He said legal actions, as outlined in Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987 amended in 2020, would be taken against individuals who drove recklessly or endangered others, resulting in death.

"This section stipulates a prison sentence of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, along with a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM50,000.

"For a second or subsequent conviction, the sentence is imprisonment for 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 said this in response to a question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) who wanted to know if the government intended to use the blood money system to replace existing penalties, which she said would provide an option for the deceased's family, while also offering a future for the offender and their family.

"The Transport ministry continues to conduct ongoing studies on the relevant laws under the Road Transport Act 1987, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act 1987, and the Land Public Transport Act 2010 to ensure that they remain relevant and safeguard road safety for all road users in general," Loke added.

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