KUALA LUMPUR – The government will amend the Road Transport Act to compel drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs to compensate victims, as part of measures announced under Budget 2027.
Tabling the budget in the Dewan Rakyat today, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said telematics systems would also be made mandatory for commercial vehicles to monitor speed, location and risky driving patterns.
The systems would also be integrated with alcohol detection devices to ensure drivers are screened before beginning their journeys.
Voluntary implementation of the telematics systems will continue until 2027, while the government develops a driver database to strengthen enforcement.
Anwar said the measures were introduced amid growing concerns over fatal accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
These included a tragedy on the East Coast Expressway 1 in Temerloh on the eve of National Day, which claimed four lives, including those of a married couple and their young child.
As of August this year, 28 fatal cases involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs had been recorded. – October 9, 2026