The government will table amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) during the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament next week.
Mat rempit to face tougher consequences
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposed changes involve 42 clauses across 11 key areas, including tougher action against illegal street racing, “tonto” activities, and higher penalties for serious traffic offences.
According to Loke, this is the most extensive review of the Act in recent years, following the 2020 amendments that increased punishments for drunk driving offences.
“This is the first amendment package to be brought to Parliament this year. A second round of amendments is expected to be tabled at the end of the year,” he said during a special media briefing at the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) today.
The second amendment is expected to focus on establishing a compensation mechanism for victims of accidents involving drunk drivers, drug-impaired drivers, or reckless motorists.
A major focus of the current amendments is strengthening the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) digital transformation efforts. Loke said technologies such as the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system will allow authorities to automatically check:
- Road tax validity
- Insurance status
- Vehicle records without having to stop vehicles at roadblocks.
“We want enforcement to be smarter, more efficient, and less dependent on direct interaction between officers and road users,” he said.
He added that the move could improve enforcement efficiency while helping to address integrity concerns often associated with roadside inspections.
Crackdown on mat rempit and tonto activities
The amendments also seek to tackle illegal racing and interference by “tonto” groups, who monitor or obstruct enforcement operations.
“We want clearer legal provisions so action can be taken against anyone who disrupts enforcement duties,” Loke said.
Other proposed changes include provisions related to cross-border mobility and updates to ensure the law keeps pace with current developments.
Higher fines for serious and repeat offenders
On plans to raise the maximum compound rate beyond the current RM300 limit, Loke clarified that the increase would only apply to selected serious offences and repeat offenders.
“The current compound amount is no longer an effective deterrent for certain road users,” he said.
However, he stressed that any increase would not take effect immediately. A transition period of at least two years is being considered to give the public time to adapt and ensure a smooth implementation process.
The Bill is scheduled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, followed by the second reading debate on Tuesday.
Loke also noted that the proposed amendments had already been reviewed by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee, which included representatives from both the government and opposition, before being finalised for tabling.
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