KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — The Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2025, encompassing 11 changes and 42 clauses, will be tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on June 22, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
He said the bill will be debated at its second reading on June 23 and is expected to be passed that day.
Loke said the proposed changes are supported by opposition MPs who serve on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee.
He added that among the focuses of the bill are stronger measures against illegal street racing, which pose a serious threat to road safety, especially on 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 shared during a press briefing on the bill here today.
Loke also said the more comprehensive amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 include stricter measures such as specific provisions on speed testing and the regulation of micromobility vehicles, including e-scooters and e-bicycles.
He added that the amendments also emphasise the digital transformation of the Road Transport Department (JPJ), including the wider adoption of electronic documents and digital delivery of notices, while tightening enforcement against offences of submitting false information or documents to the authorities.
“This is a comprehensive (change). We have incorporated many new elements in this round of amendments,” he said.
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 is no longer an adequate deterrent against a segment of road users who are repeat offenders.
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, Loke said.
Meanwhile, he said the ministry is planning another amendment to the Road Transport Act 1987, which will be tabled at the end of this year.
“The second amendment will focus on a … compensation mechanism for victims of crashes involving drink drivers, drivers who test positive for drugs, or those engaged in reckless driving, to ensure justice for victims,” Loke explained.
