The government is set to introduce sweeping amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987, which will include new penalties for illegal racing and “tonto” activities, alongside higher fines for serious traffic offences.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposed amendments to Act 333 will be tabled at the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament next week, covering 11 key areas involving 42 clauses.
He said this marks the most comprehensive revision to the Act in recent years, following the last amendment in 2020 which focused on strengthening penalties against drunk driving.
Loke added that another round of amendments is expected to be tabled later this year, with a focus on introducing compensation mechanisms for victims of road accidents involving drunk, drug-impaired or reckless drivers.
According to him, the upcoming changes aim to ensure greater justice and protection for victims and their families.
A major focus of the current amendment is the digital transformation of the Road Transport Department (JPJ), aimed at reducing reliance on conventional enforcement methods.
He said technologies such as the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system will allow authorities to automatically detect road tax validity, insurance status and vehicle records without physically stopping vehicles at roadblocks.
Loke said this “smarter enforcement” approach is intended to improve efficiency while reducing direct interaction between enforcement officers and the public.
He added that the move is also expected to address integrity concerns and public perception issues often associated with roadside inspections.
The amendment will also strengthen legal provisions against illegal racing and tonto groups that monitor or obstruct enforcement operations.
Loke said clearer legal provisions are needed to ensure firm action can be taken against individuals interfering with enforcement duties.
He also noted that the amendments include provisions related to cross-border mobility and other emerging transport-related issues.
On proposals to increase the maximum compound fine from RM300, Loke clarified that the adjustment would only apply to selected serious and repeat offences.
He said the current penalty levels are no longer sufficient to deter irresponsible road users.
If approved, the implementation will not be immediate, with a proposed transition period of at least two years to allow the public to adjust.
The bill will be presented for its first reading next Monday before being debated at the second reading the following day.
Loke said the proposed amendments have already undergone scrutiny by the Parliamentary Select Committee, which includes both government and opposition representatives, before being finalised for tabling.
