New Road Transport Amendment Bill To Be Tabled Monday, Targets Illegal Racing

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2025, encompassing 11 areas of amendment and 42 clauses, will be tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

He said the Bill is scheduled for debate at its second reading on Tuesday and is expected to be passed on the same day.

Loke said the proposed amendments have also received the support of opposition Members of  Parliament who serve on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee.

He said among the key focuses of the comprehensive amendments is the strengthening of measures against illegal street racing activities, which continue to pose a serious threat to the safety of road users, particularly during weekends.

“The amendments also include tougher measures to curb the activities of ‘tonto’ syndicates, as well as efforts to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to enhance road safety and ensure more effective compliance with the law,” he said during a briefing on the proposed amendments for media representatives here today.

In addition, Loke said the latest amendments to Act 333, which are more comprehensive in nature, also include stricter measures such as the introduction of specific provisions on speed testing activities, as well as regulations governing the use of micromobility vehicles, including e-scooters and e-bicycles.

He said the amendments also place emphasis on the digital transformation of the Road Transport Department (JPJ), including the wider adoption of electronic documents and digital delivery of notices, while tightening action against offences involving the submission of false information or documents to the authorities.

“This is a comprehensive amendment. We have incorporated many new elements in this round of amendments,” he said.

Commenting on the proposal to increase the maximum compound rate from the current RM300, Loke said the measure would only apply to specific offences deemed serious and repetitive, including those related to motor vehicle licences, driving licences, speed limits, vehicle inspections, and violations of traffic signals and directions.

He said the existing compound rate was no longer considered an adequate deterrent against a segment of road users who repeatedly commit offences.

The government is proposing a transition period of at least two years before the new compound rates are enforced to allow the public sufficient time to adapt and to ensure the implementation process is carried out in an orderly manner, Loke said.

Meanwhile, he said the ministry is also planning a further amendment to the Road Transport Act, which is expected to be tabled at the end of this year.

“The second amendment will focus on a proposed compensation mechanism for victims of accidents involving drunk drivers, drivers who test positive for drugs, or those engaged in reckless driving, to ensure justice for victims,” he said.

 -- BERNAMA