The trend of altering vehicle registration numbers in extreme or confusing ways is no longer just a traffic offense—it has become a major obstacle for authorities in tracking criminals.
Road Safety Council (MKJR) member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye warned that displaying “fancy” or hard-to-read plates hampers the efficiency of enforcement agencies, particularly the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Road Transport Department (JPJ).
“The negative impact is significant, especially when such vehicles are used in criminal activities or hit-and-run incidents,” he said in a statement today. “Many crimes, including snatch thefts and burglaries, cannot be solved promptly due to difficulties identifying or tracking offenders hiding behind misleading registration numbers.”
Lee fully supports JPJ’s strict enforcement measures and praised the approach taken by the Kajang Magistrate Court, which prosecutes traffic offenders directly. He described the fines—ranging from RM5,000 to RM10,000 under the Road Transport Act 1987—as fair and appropriate.
“Consistent and strict enforcement is essential to ensure the safety of road users and the public. It also serves as a warning to other drivers to act responsibly and obey the law,” he added.
Earlier, media reports stated that JPJ has tightened legal actions against the use of “fancy” or extreme registration numbers. JPJ Senior Enforcement Director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the department has consulted the Deputy Public Prosecutor to ensure vehicle owners displaying misleading plates are prosecuted in court.
“Vehicle owners committing this offense will be fined under Section 108 of the Road Transport Act 1987. Cases will be brought to court, where offenders face heavy penalties ranging from RM5,000 up to RM10,000,” he said.
