KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Anthony Loke has ruled out introducing the death penalty for drink-driving offences, reaffirming the government’s stance against reinstating capital punishment.
He said existing laws remain sufficient, with serious cases still prosecutable under provisions such as murder where applicable.
Speaking at a road safety programme, Loke stressed that the government would not consider harsher penalties despite calls from the opposition.
Instead, he said reforms will focus on strengthening victim protection, including proposed amendments requiring convicted offenders to compensate victims’ families.
The plan, expected to be tabled in Parliament in June, aims to ease the burden on families who currently rely on lengthy and costly civil suits.
Authorities, including the Road Transport Department and Land Public Transport Agency, are working with the Attorney General’s Chambers on the changes, alongside broader efforts to curb drink-driving incidents nationwide.
