KUALA LUMPUR: The Alliance of Safe Community has lauded the government's plan to introduce a Good Samaritan Act, as announced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye described the proposal as a crucial step toward promoting civic responsibility and nurturing a culture of compassion and care in society.
"A Good Samaritan Act aims to provide legal protection to individuals who act in good faith to assist others in emergencies.
"These individuals, often referred to as 'good samaritans,' deserve recognition and support for their willingness to render aid without fear of legal repercussions," he said in a statement today.
Lee outlined the advantages of the proposed law, which include encouraging assistance during emergencies.
"By protecting good samaritans from liability, the law can motivate more people to step forward and help others in distress, potentially saving lives.
"It also strengthens community bonds, promoting a sense of collective responsibility and reinforcing the moral fabric of our society.
"Moreover, it reduces hesitation to act, as many fear getting involved in emergencies due to potential legal consequences. This law removes that fear, enabling quick action during critical moments," he said.
Lee added that the law could also support public health initiatives.
"In cases such as overdose interventions or first aid for accidents, the law complements public health strategies by encouraging timely assistance," he added.
However, he acknowledged some concerns about the proposal, cautioning that the law could be misused.
"There is a possibility that certain individuals may exploit the law to evade accountability for negligent or harmful actions," he said.
To address this, Lee emphasised the need for clear guidelines.
"The law must be carefully drafted to define the scope of protection and ensure it applies only to acts of genuine good faith.
"The public might rely excessively on untrained individuals instead of seeking professional help. Therefore, proper education on the law and basic emergency response skills is essential to avoid misunderstandings or mishaps," he said.
Hence, Lee urged the government to engage all relevant stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, legal experts, and community organisations, to create a comprehensive and balanced Good Samaritan Act.
"Public education campaigns should accompany the legislation to ensure Malaysians understand their rights and responsibilities under this law," he added.
Yesterday, Dzulkefly highlighted the importance of implementing the Good Samaritan Act.
He said he would raise the matter at the post-cabinet meeting next week, after which it would be opened for discussion and assigned to a relevant authority.