Malaysia is set to impose tougher penalties on illegal street racers and traffic offenders under the proposed Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026, which was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Bill, which contains 42 clauses covering 11 key areas, will be presented for its second reading during the current parliamentary sitting that runs until July 16.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new Section 42A, which specifically criminalises street racing and speed trials conducted on public roads.
Under the proposed law, anyone found participating in a race involving two or more vehicles can be fined between RM2,000 and RM10,000, jailed for up to two years, or both upon conviction.
Repeat offenders face even tougher punishment, including fines ranging from RM5,000 to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The same penalties will also apply to individuals taking part in speed trials involving one or more vehicles on public roads.
The Bill also proposes higher fines for various traffic offences as part of efforts to strengthen road safety and enforcement.
Among the proposed changes, the minimum fine for failing to display a vehicle registration number will increase from RM300 to RM500.
Drivers caught operating a vehicle without a valid licence will also face a higher minimum fine of RM500, up from RM300.
Amendments to Section 26 will require all drivers, including those authorised or employed to drive, to possess a valid driving licence, with the minimum penalty for violations similarly increased.
Speeding offences will also attract tougher penalties, with the minimum fine rising from RM300 to RM500.
In addition, motorists who make unauthorised left turns or fail to comply with traffic signs and directions could face increased fines under the proposed amendments.
The Bill further strengthens penalties under Section 119(2) for general road transport offences.
Currently, first-time offenders can be fined up to RM2,000 or jailed for up to six months, while repeat offenders face fines of up to RM4,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months.
Under the proposed amendments, first-time offenders may be fined between RM1,000 and RM2,000, jailed for up to six months, or both.
Those convicted for a second or subsequent offence could face fines ranging from RM2,000 to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
Earlier this month, Loke also announced plans for another amendment to the Road Transport Act, expected to be tabled during the final parliamentary sitting in October.
The proposed changes would introduce a compensation mechanism for victims of accidents caused by drunk drivers, motorists under the influence of drugs, or those found guilty of reckless driving.
The amendments are part of broader efforts to enhance road safety, strengthen enforcement powers and hold dangerous drivers more accountable for their actions.
