Malaysian motorists who endanger the lives of others will have their driving licenses revoked on the spot in an attempt to reduce the number of road accidents, a report said today.

Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy said the cabinet had agreed to the move, for which legislation will be tabled in March next year.

"Revoking licenses on the spot is already practised in other countries and our government has taken a serious view of the fact that despite numerous road-safety campaigns and operations, drivers continue to be reckless," he was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times .

Chan said the change would mean licenses could be revoked for a maximum of 14 days, during which the motorist must settle the offence.

Too many road deaths

"To get his license back, the driver must prove that he was not in the wrong. This may or may not involve taking the matter to court, depending on the case," said Chan.

Licenses will be revoked for offences including reckless driving, overtaking across a double line and driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The government has ramped up a campaign in recent days to prevent an escalation in Malaysia's road toll, which traditionally spikes during festive periods when thousands take to the highways for holidays and to visit home towns.

This week combines the Hindu Diwali and the Muslim Eid-al-Fitr festivals. Traffic accidents killed 22 people Sunday and 18 more on Monday, said the newspaper.