Syariah-Based 'Diyat' Proposed As Justice Mechanism For Drink-Driving Victim’s Family

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- The ‘diyat’ mechanism as a Syariah-based compensation should be explored as an instrument of justice for the family of Amirul Hafiz Omar, who was killed in a suspected drink-driving crash at Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, Selangor, yesterday, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

He said the rights of the victim’s heirs must not be overlooked and that the diyat approach should be given due consideration to ensure justice and proper protection for the bereaved family.

“I strongly condemn the tragic incident in Klang, which claimed the life of a father, Amirul Hafiz Omar, due to a driver believed to be intoxicated and positive for drugs. Driving under the influence not only violates the law but also endangers the lives of others.

“This incident is deeply saddening and represents a form of negligence that cannot be compromised with, as it involves the loss of an invaluable life,” he said in a Facebook post today.

He said that a discussion regarding the implementation of diyat was initiated on Feb 11 in Putrajaya, involving muftis, prominent figures, and experts under the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs).

He said the effort was aimed at ensuring justice and protecting the rights of heirs, as well as supporting the implementation of diyat.

Meanwhile, he welcomed the statement by the Ministry of Transport, which was drafting amendments to Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987 to require offenders to pay compensation to victims’ families in addition to imprisonment.

“May justice be upheld, and may this incident serve as a reminder to all road users. May the soul of the late Amirul Hafiz Omar be placed among the righteous,” he said.

Yesterday, South Klang District Police chief ACP Lim Jit Huey said a motorcyclist was killed after being hit by a car driven by a person under the influence of alcohol and drugs in a crash on Jalan Raya Barat in Klang.

The incident, which occurred at about 11.40 am, resulted in the victim being flung onto the roof of another car and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A video recording of the accident also went viral on social media, showing a speeding car overtaking on a double line and crashing into a motorcycle, causing the rider to be tossed into the air before landing on another vehicle.

Meanwhile, Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS) secretary-general Wafiyuddin Musa, in a statement, agreed with the proposal, saying that diyat should be expanded as a mechanism for immediate compensation to victims’ families regardless of race and religion.

He said the mechanism was more effective than the existing practice, which required victims’ families to file civil claims to obtain compensation, a process that usually involved high costs and a lengthy period.

“GPMS proposes that a mandatory compensation mechanism be introduced for the families of victims involved in fatal accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.

He said GPMS was also prepared to offer pro bono legal services to victims’ families to assist in any appropriate legal action.

Meanwhile, Wafiyuddin said GPMS also proposed that the designated driver concept be strengthened through national campaigns and government policy support to ensure individuals who consumed alcohol did not drive.

“In Malaysia, concepts such as Buddy Driver by Trevo can be enhanced as part of efforts to cultivate safe driving. This step is important to ensure that individuals who consume alcohol do not drive, thereby reducing the risk of fatal crashes,” he said.

-- BERNAMA