PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry has called for a review of Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
This is to enable heavier penalties including lifetime driving licence suspension for drivers, found guilty of causing fatalities.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that a detailed study will be carried out as the ministry takes cases of accidents which cause deaths, seriously.
“Penalties provided under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987 currently is seen as light whereby it only carries a maximum jail sentence of 10 years.
“And in most cases, punishments given is less than 10 years without whipping.
“Even licenses are suspended for only three years for the first offence and for the second offence, the licence is suspended for 10 years.
“We want to propose that the offenders licenses must be banned for life,” he said during a press conference here today.
Loke's comments came in light of the fatal accident near Menora tunnel on the North-South Expressway in Perak at 11.45 am on Saturday.
A trailer driver lost control of his vehicle and collided into several vehicles including a Kia Forte, which burst and killed a family of five including a baby.
Adding further, he said the review would take time as it involves amendment to the Act.
“We will also have further discussion with relevant stakeholders, to get their views and feedback, including the implication of the Act once the amendment is done.
“At the same time, the ministry will also get input from various parties. This is needed because of the growing concerns on road accidents which claim lives. The number is very high,” he said.