Islamic affairs minister backs making intoxicated drivers pay victims’ families, cites ‘diya’ study can be guide

A spate of road crashes resulting in serious injuries and/or deaths, caused by drivers intoxicated with drugs or alcohol, have put pressure on the government to look into making them accountable for compensation payments to victims. — Pictures from social media

First Published: Saturday, 31 Oct 2026 9:32 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 — A study on ‘Diat’ or compensation published by the Federal Territory Mufti’s Office can serve as a reference in detailing compensation payments to victims or next of kin involved in accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the research could provide guidance for proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) to mandate that drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs who cause accidents pay compensation to victims or their heirs.

He said his department fully supports the government’s efforts to amend the act, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2027 on October 9.

“Heartiest congratulations to the Federal Territory Mufti’s Office on the publication of the study titled ‘Diya: Understanding and Implementation’. I have also provided a brief explanation to the Transport Minister regarding diya,” he said in an Instagram post yesterday.

On October 12, Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that his ministry, together with the Attorney General’s Chambers, is currently preparing the policy paper and draft amendments, aiming for tabling during the first session of Parliament next year.

He noted that the proposed mechanism would allow courts to order compensation payments during proceedings against offenders, eliminating the need for victims to file separate civil suits, which can be time-consuming and costly. — Bernama

*Editor’s note: Diya is an Islamic legal term for compensation, traditionally monetary, paid to a victim or the victim’s heirs for death or bodily injury caused by another party.