IN Malaysia, enacting a Good Samaritan law is essential to encourage people to assist others in emergencies without fear of legal repercussions.
The absence of such a law currently discourages bystanders from offering help during critical situations, such as accidents, medical emergencies, or natural disasters.
Without legal protection, individuals may hesitate to intervene due to concerns about lawsuits or being blamed if their efforts result in unintended harm.
Plans by the Health Ministry to enact a Good Samaritan Law is timely as it would foster a culture of compassion and solidarity, ensuring that those who act in good faith to assist others are not held liable for any unintended consequences that might arise during their intervention.
This would align Malaysia with many other nations that have recognised the importance of such legal protections.
When we look at our ASEAN neighbour, the Philippines, which has a Good Samaritan law that protects citizens who voluntarily offer aid to those in distress, reinforcing the principle that helping others is both morally and legally encouraged.
This is an effective example of a Good Samaritan law which encourage public involvement in emergencies while safeguarding individuals.
While a Good Samaritan law would be beneficial, Malaysia must exercise caution in its design and implementation.
The law should make clear distinctions between genuine attempts to assist and actions that may be driven by personal motives or lack of understanding.
So-called “do-gooders” who intervene in an attempt to help might, in some cases, cause further harm, or scam the individual and family members under the pretext of saving a life.
This risk emphasises the need for training and public awareness about the proper methods of helping others in an emergency to look out or verify for signs of scammers.
The law should also stipulate that the assistance provided must be reasonable and appropriate to the situation, as good intentions alone cannot justify reckless actions.
As society modernises, Malaysia should enact a Good Samaritan law to promote a more caring society where citizens are encouraged to help one another in times of need.
However, this should be done with caution, ensuring that the law protects both those offering help and those receiving it, while addressing the potential for misuse or harm caused by well-intentioned but ill-informed actions. – Dec 17, 2024
Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon is the MCA Deputy President.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Parlimen Malaysia
