Strong support grows for Good Samaritan Act

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KUCHING: The public have voiced strong support for the proposed Good Samaritan Act, which aims to provide legal protection to individuals who voluntarily offer assistance during emergencies.

As reported in Bernama on July 13, the call for the Act was made by Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who urged the government to table the legislation in the upcoming Parliament session.

Lee said the law would shield bystanders and first responders from civil or criminal liability, as long as they acted in good faith.

“We need to address the bystander effect and encourage more Malaysians to step in when lives are at stake.

“Countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia already have such laws in place. Beyond legal coverage, it’s about building a compassionate and caring society,” he said.

Sarawak Tribune spoke with several members of the public, all of whom expressed strong support for the proposed law while highlighting personal concerns about the fear of legal consequences that often discourage them from assisting during emergencies.

Azi Zaidi

AZI ZAIDI, 28, Executive


Yes, I do support the introduction of a Good Samaritan Law. As members of the public, we can only act according to the situation and do what seems best at the time. Therefore, any outcome resulting from our efforts should not lead to punishment. Many people like me have hesitated to help in emergencies due to the fear that our assistance might unintentionally worsen the situation or fail to achieve the desired outcome, leading to the risk of being blamed by others. Hence, legal protection like this act would give people more confidence to help without fear or hesitation.

Ezza Ezreen Iskandar

EZZA EZREEN ISKANDAR, 22, University Student

I support the introduction of the Good Samaritan Law. Such legislation is important to encourage the public to step in and help without fear of legal consequences if something happens beyond their control. Genuine intentions to help should not be punished, in fact, they should be encouraged, especially in situations where someone’s life could potentially be saved. Sometimes there’s fear that the help I offer might be misunderstood or might make the situation worse. In our country, there is no clear legal protection, so the risk of being accused of negligence or causing harm can discourage anyone from taking action. If people know they are legally protected while trying to save a life, they will feel more confident in taking action. Social responsibility will increase because they will no longer be afraid of legal implications if their help isn’t perfect.

Siti Nabila

SITI NABILA, 27, Self-employed

When there’s a law that protects people who help during emergencies, it gives them more confidence to step in. Sometimes people want to help, but they’re afraid of being blamed. So, if such a law exists, at least we know our good intentions are protected. I have hesitated before, especially when witnessing an accident. The instinct is to help, but then I start thinking, ‘If things get worse, will I be blamed?’ It leaves you feeling torn, you want to help, but you’re scared. It’s a sad feeling when you think about it afterward. That is why, I believe that if people know they are legally protected while trying to save a life, they will feel more confident in taking action. Social responsibility will increase because they will no longer be afraid of legal implications if their help isn’t perfect.

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