How will the proposal ensure offenders are held accountable beyond imprisonment and fines?

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Offenders to Face Court-Ordered Compensation for Road Accident Victims

The Cabinet has given its in-principle approval to introduce court-ordered compensation for road accident victims through amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals found guilty of road traffic offences are held accountable not only through traditional penalties like imprisonment, fines, or driving disqualifications, but also for the broader impact their actions have on victims and their families. The proposed legal framework is designed to provide a more comprehensive form of redress for those affected by road accidents.
Court to Determine Compensation Amounts

Under the proposed amendments, the specific amount of compensation to be awarded will be determined by the courts on a case-by-case basis. This decision will be guided by the facts and merits of each individual case, taking into account several factors. These include the severity of the traffic offence committed, the extent of injuries sustained by the victim or whether loss of life occurred, the financial and other losses incurred by the victims or their next of kin, and crucially, the offender's financial capacity to pay.
Existing Rights Remain Unaffected

The introduction of court-ordered compensation is not intended to replace or hinder existing avenues for victims and their families to seek redress. The proposed mechanism will operate in parallel with current legal processes, meaning that victims or their families will retain their rights to pursue insurance claims or initiate civil legal actions through the established channels. This ensures a dual approach to accountability and compensation.
Enhanced Demerit Points System

In conjunction with the compensation proposal, the amendments also aim to strengthen the Road Traffic Offence Demerit Points System, known as Kejara. The objective is to create a more robust system for identifying drivers who pose a higher risk on the roads and those who are repeat offenders. This includes refining procedures for notifying motorists about demerit points, establishing mechanisms for representations and administrative reviews, and adjusting or removing points when an offence is not proven or does not lead to a conviction, thereby improving the system's fairness and effectiveness.

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How will the proposal ensure offenders are held accountable beyond imprisonment and fines?

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