Govt Urged To Introduce Good Samaritan Act To Protect Bystanders
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said similar laws are already in place in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, and are needed in Malaysia to ensure that well-intentioned individuals are not deterred from helping others due to fear of legal repercussions.
'The act is necessary because it encourages public assistance in emergencies. Many people hesitate to help accident victims or individuals experiencing medical distress due to concerns about potential legal liability.
'Thus, a Good Samaritan Act would offer protection against civil or criminal liability for those who render aid in good faith, encouraging a more compassionate and proactive society,' he said in a statement today.
Lee said immediate assistance in cases such as road accidents, heart attacks, drowning incidents or sudden collapse could mean the difference between life and death, and legal protection would encourage bystanders trained in basic first aid or CPR to act without hesitation.
He added that such a law would help address the 'bystander effect', where individuals are more likely to take action when they feel safe from negative consequences.
'It would also reinforce the idea that the government values and protects those who step forward to assist others,' he said.
Lee said a clear legal framework would also benefit medical professionals, off-duty healthcare workers and volunteers who provide emergency assistance outside their formal duties.
It is also aligned with the values of Malaysian society, promoting kindness, mutual help and fostering a stronger sense of community responsibility.
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