Parliament today passed the Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026, paving the way for higher traffic compounds, tougher penalties for illegal street racing and stronger enforcement powers under the Road Transport Act 1987.
The Act raises the maximum compound for selected traffic offences from RM300 to RM500 from Jan 1, 2029. The revised rate will apply to offences including speeding, driving without a valid licence, failing mandatory vehicle inspections and ignoring traffic signals or enforcement directives.
A new Section 42A also makes illegal street racing and speed testing specific offences under the law, allowing authorities to act before accidents, injuries or fatalities occur.
First-time offenders face fines of between RM2,000 and RM10,000, jail terms of up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to RM20,000 and jailed for up to five years.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the amendments were needed as Malaysia recorded 6,537 road fatalities in 2025, with motorcyclists and pillion riders accounting for 66.4% of deaths.
The Act also expands the digitalisation of JPJ services and introduces provisions covering electric vehicles, modified vehicles, foreign-registered vehicles and cross-border vehicles.
