Cases of reckless and dangerous driving have risen by almost 50 per cent in the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, reflecting what police describe as a growing trend of aggressive behaviour on the roads linked to road rage incidents.
The Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) Bukit Aman, recorded 1,278 investigation papers between January 1 and June 28 this year, up from 852 cases in the same period last year, an increase of 426 cases.
JSPT director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said the figures point to a worrying pattern of increasingly aggressive driving, with motorists more frequently engaging in behaviour that escalates into confrontations.
He stated Johor recorded the highest number of cases at 354, followed by Kuala Lumpur with 230 and Selangor with 200. Several other states also reported cases, though some, including Penang, Sabah, Perlis and Melaka, saw declines over the same period.
Johor also registered the steepest increase year-on-year, with 175 additional cases compared to the first half of 2025.
Police said the rise is largely driven by violations such as failure to obey traffic signals, dangerous overtaking, tailgating, cutting in and failure to give way. Investigators also cited verbal provocation, excessive horn use and aggressive gestures as common triggers that escalate minor disputes into confrontations.
Muhammed Hasbullah added that authorities are also monitoring concerns over drivers allegedly using vape devices containing psychoactive or synthetic drugs while behind the wheel, noting that enforcement efforts are being strengthened.
Among the measures under consideration are the use of saliva test kits and mandatory urine screening for commercial vehicle drivers involved in road accidents, aimed at identifying motorists driving under the influence of prohibited substances.
He said reckless driving offences under Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987 carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines between RM5,000 and RM15,000 upon conviction.
Police also stressed that existing provisions under the Penal Code, including offences relating to causing injury, criminal intimidation and mischief, continue to be applied in road rage-related cases depending on the severity of the incident.
Authorities stated swift and consistent enforcement is intended to deter repeat offences, while urging members of the public to assist investigations by providing dashcam and CCTV footage where available.
