KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 28 -- Bereaved families who lose a breadwinner to reckless or drunk drivers could soon secure direct compensation through criminal courts, but the federal government is still working out how awards will be collected if the convicted motorist possesses no financial means.

The Transport Ministry is preparing amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 to establish a statutory compensation framework for victims and lawful heirs in road crashes resulting in death or grievous hurt, according to a written parliamentary reply tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.

Responding to a query from Setiu MP Shaharizukirnain Abd. Kadir, the ministry said that Putrajaya favours judicial discretion over fixed administrative payout caps.

Under the ...