Malaysia Seeks Justice: New Law to Hold Corporations Accountable After Deadly Bus Crash

Malaysia Proposes Corporate Manslaughter Act After Fatal Bus Crash A proposed Corporate Manslaughter Act in Malaysia is gaining traction following a devastating bus accident in Perak on June 9th, which tragically claimed the lives of 15 students. The proposed law, inspired by similar legislation in the United Kingdom, seeks to hold entire corporations accountable for accidents caused by managerial negligence. This contrasts with current practices, where responsibility often falls solely on individuals like drivers or engineers. Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), stated, "Through this act, companies, including directors, engineers, and board members, can be held accountable if they fail to ensure safety standards are met." The minister emphasized the importance of the act, given the tendency of companies to shift blame onto drivers even when systemic failures are involved. The accident in Perak serves as a stark reminder of the need for such legislation. The video footage of the severely damaged bus underscores the gravity of the situation and the human cost of corporate negligence. The proposed act represents a significant step towards enhancing corporate accountability and preventing future tragedies. The hope is that this legislation will foster a stronger safety culture within Malaysian organizations.