Asset seizures alone won’t cut road deaths, says expert

Seizing the assets of traffic offenders to compensate accident victims will not, on its own, reduce road fatalities, says a road safety expert, who called for stronger enforcement and better road infrastructure.

On Oct 15, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the government was considering seizing the assets of traffic offenders convicted of serious offences to compensate road accident victims and their families, particularly when offenders could not afford to pay.

Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Law Teik Hua said asset seizures might have a financial deterrent effect but would not necessarily change driving behaviour or bring down road deaths.

He said the government should prioritise sustained enforcement against offences such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding and running red lights, as well as strengthen the Kejara demerit points system.

“The government should not rely solely on severe penalties,” he told FMT.

“The causes of accidents must be addressed comprehensively, including through safer road design, measures to tackle high-risk locations, and automated enforcement.”

To ensure victims and their families were not left waiting for compensation while the offenders’ assets were being sold, Law proposed that the government establish an interim compensation fund and recover the money from offenders through legal channels.

Universiti Malaya criminologist Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid said any asset seizure must have a clear legal basis and protect the rights of innocent family members.

“We cannot arbitrarily seize the assets of a spouse or innocent family members simply because they are related to an offender,” she said, adding that financial penalties alone would not reduce traffic offences without consistent law enforcement.