By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 22: Motorists could soon face heavier penalties for common traffic offences, with the proposed Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 seeking to raise the minimum fine for a range of violations from RM300 to RM500.
According to Bernama, the bill was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen regulatory and enforcement powers, with its second reading scheduled during the current parliamentary sitting.
Data published on the Parliament portal shows that the revised minimum fine of RM500 would apply to several common traffic offences, including speeding, running red lights, using non-compliant vehicle equipment, driving without a valid licence, and participating in illegal street racing.
Beyond higher compounds, the bill also introduces significantly tougher punishments for more serious offences.
Under the proposed amendments, individuals found driving while their licence is suspended could face up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine ranging from RM3,000 to RM10,000. The current penalty is a maximum of one year’s imprisonment or a fine not exceeding RM5,000.
The bill also introduces a new provision Section 42A, aimed specifically at curbing illegal street racing and speed-testing activities on public roads.
First-time offenders may be fined between RM2,000 and RM10,000, sentenced to up to two years’ imprisonment, or both. Those convicted for a second time would face a substantially heavier punishment of between RM5,000 and RM20,000, a minimum prison term of five years, or both.
In a further move to strengthen compliance, the proposed amendments impose harsher penalties for providing false statements, with offenders liable to fines of up to RM200,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
The legislation also expands the powers of police personnel and road transport enforcement officers, enabling them to better regulate, control and redirect traffic when necessary.
In addition, obstructing or assaulting an enforcement officer would be classified as an arrestable offence under the proposed law.
Addressing the growing presence of micromobility devices in urban areas, the bill sets out procedures for the detention and disposal of vehicles such as e-scooters.
The proposed amendments further empower the Transport Minister to prescribe fees for entry permits involving foreign-registered motor vehicles.
The bill will undergo further debate when it is tabled for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat. — DayakDaily
