KUALA LUMPUR (June 23): Motorists who break certain traffic laws will face higher maximum compounds from 2029 under proposed changes to the Road Transport Act.

An increase of between RM500 and RM300 in the ceiling on compounds for compoundable offences have been proposed under the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026, tabled in Dewan Rakyat for second reading on Tuesday.

A grace period up to Jan 1, 2029, will be provided as a transitional period before the new maximum compound is implemented, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He stressed this is only a change to the maximum compound that can be imposed, and that actual rates remain subject to the type and severity of the offence, as well as the period of settlement.

The change is in line with a hike in the minimum fine for several offences.

The amendment proposes that offences, including failure to display a vehicle registration number, not possessing a licence, and driving without a valid driving licence, have a higher minimum fine of RM500, up from RM300 currently.

Other offences that may see their minimum fines increased include speeding, breach of vehicle construction, equipment and use requirements, using certain vehicle classes without a valid inspection certificate, breach of authorised left-turn rules, and failure to obey traffic directions.

The amendment also introduces a specific offence for illegal racing and speed trials on public roads, as well as enables the digitalisation of the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) core services and the use of electronic documents and notices to ease the delivery of public services.

“The government’s principle in this amendment is clear, namely to be firm against offences that may jeopardise road safety, while at the same time easing services for the public. We want the law to focus on offences that genuinely pose risks, while enhancing the efficiency of JPJ's services through digitalisation, better service delivery, and fair enforcement,” Loke said.

On the proposed new racing or speed testing offence, the minister said first-time offenders would face a fine of between RM2,000 and RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both upon conviction.

Repeat offenders face up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of between RM5,000 and RM20,000, or both.

Loke noted the Bill also introduces provisions to curb "tonto" — informant or middleman who acts as a lookout for illegal syndicates — activities.

Individuals who obstruct, interfere with, assault, threaten or follow enforcement officers' vehicles, or share information on enforcement operations to help offenders evade legal action, may face a fine of between RM10,000 and RM50,000, imprisonment of between one and five years, or both.

The debate on the Bill will continue in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.

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